Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper set the stage for Brian Clough’s remarkable journey to becoming manager of Nottingham Forest in this first part of a four-part-special. After his departure from Leeds, Clough takes on the challenge of revitalising a mid-table second division team into a team that dominates English and European football. Clough's reunion with assistant Peter Taylor plays a pivotal role as they sign key players like Peter Shilton and Kenny Burns. This episode looks at the early challenges faced, strategic player signings, and the pivotal moments that laid the groundwork for Nottingham Forest's incredible achievements. Join us as we set the stage for one of football's most astonishing success stories.
01:09 The Rise and Fall of Brian Clough
08:30 Clough's Early Struggles at Nottingham Forest
21:03 Clough's Confrontational Style
24:44 Building the Foundation for Success
27:07 The Clough-Taylor Partnership
27:39 Taylor's Reluctance and Reconciliation
28:52 Building a Winning Team
31:16 The Anglo-Scottish Cup Victory
33:37 Promotion to the Top Flight
34:43 Strengthening the Squad
36:33 Clough's England Manager Candidacy
42:11 A Defensive Strategy for Success
46:46 Winning the League and Beyond
52:15 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
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