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| Graham Nickless in the Non-League Paper, Sunday 21st April 2002 |
| 'We won't keep Nigel' |
| Burton Albion are resigned
to losing manager Nigel Clough because they can't afford to pay him what
he's worth. Chairman Ben Robinson believes his young boss is worth his weight
in gold - but won't attempt to stop him moving on. Robinson believes the UniBond champions have a man who could lead the way to unprecedented success. Nigel's famous dad Brian once ruled his kingdoms at Derby and Nottingham Forest with a rod of iron as he plundered domestic league championships and European Cup glory. Despite being less brash than his outspoken father, Clough junior is still very much a chip off the old block when it comes to being a winner. |
| He has transformed
the Brewers' fortunes in just three and a half years, winning over the players,
board and fans with a mixture of playing brilliance and unassuming man
management. With a thumping midweek victory at second-placed Vauxhall Motors - the only team who could have denied them the title - Albion guaranteed their first league title in 52 years. |
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| At the same time gates have
trebled since Clough arrived at Eton Park - and Robinson admits to telling
the fans "Pinch yourself - enjoy these days while they last." He expanded: "Nigel Clough is also straight out of the top drawer off the field. he is the best ambassador the club has ever had. Although we pay him part-time wages he works full-time and there are no complaints. We'll forever be indebted to him for what he has done for this club." "Not only is he a great manager, but he is a really nice person. He is the sort of guy you would want your daughter to marry - and that's not going over the top." Gushing perhaps, but Clough junior has worked miracles in Burton on Trent. He led Albion to runners-up spot in the Southern League in his first season, achieved the same feat in the Dr. Martens Premier last year as well as reaching the quarter finals of the FA Trophy, and this term has topped that with Conference football and the Trophy semi-finals. Robinson doesn't fear the day when that call comes from a leauge club wanting to talk to his young boss. "I've told Nigel I could never pay him for what he has done for our club. That's why when the day arrives that he decides to go on to a bigger and better club, he will go with our blessing. "But what we've got in our favour is that he obviously sees us as a good place to learn his trade. He is also very much a family man and really enjoys spending time with his children. If he moved to a full time job he might not have the same sort of quality time - and that could have a bearing on his future plans." Clough was a pin-up in his playing days and still attracts crowds. "It's worth the admission price to see him pass the ball," Robinson went on. "We all knew what a great player he was, but when he came here he really awoke interest in the town. Female fans who had never really followed football, let alone the Brewers, were suddenly saying: 'Gosh, Nigel Clough's playing'. "he's gone on from there and produced tremendous football which saw our gates double in the first season and then treble." Yet despite the extra revenue Clough never tried to buy success. "We have made a substantial profit this season because of the way he handles the club's money," the chairman said, "You wouldn't think it was his own, he is so judicious. "That's the great thing, Nigel is not greedy, nor does he make big demands for himself or his players. We are not paying silly money - and we are not paying Nigel anywhere near what he is worth." |
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