"The thought we would ever win the league was absolutely beyond comprehension. So when Cloughie arrived in '75, it all changed." Paul Ellis has special memories of Brian Clough, including watching him play for Middlesbrough at Nottingham Forest's City Ground in the 1950's. Many years later, Paul became a focal point for the UK's media when they needed someone to speak to following the sad death of Brian in September 2004. Paul was the chairman of the Nottingham Forest Supporters Club and paid tr...
Jun 26, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 92
Brian Clough took his players away for a break in the Spanish sunshine in preparation for Nottingham Forest's second successive European Cup Final, in May 1980. "It was absolute genius," said Gary Mills, who became the youngest player to appear in a European Cup Final. This episode looks back at that magical time with exclusive contributions from several former Clough players, including John Robertson, Ian Bowyer, Martin O'Neill and the man nicknamed 'Young Millsy.' Robertson talks to pod host M...
May 26, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 91
A memorable visit to the chip shop is featured in this entertaining episode of great Brian Clough stories. There's also the tale of a visit to Cloughie's home, where Brian was wearing his marigolds while washing the dishes. You'll also hear stories in an exclusive extract from a book festival featuring author and pod host Marcus Alton.
May 15, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 90
In a rare interview, former Nottingham Forest and England defender Des Walker talks exclusively to pod host Marcus Alton. The entertaining conversation includes some great Cloughie memories, including the amusing stories about the first time Des met the Miracle Manager and why Brian always referred to the centre-half as 'Desmond.' In this fascinating insight into the life of one of England's greatest defenders, Des also talks about memories of his mum plus how he used to play football in the gar...
Apr 14, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 89
A collection of special Brian Clough memories from former Nottingham Forest defender Viv Anderson. Speaking exclusively to Marcus Alton in the Green Jumper pod, Viv recalls how Cloughie's advice during his early days at Forest served him well throughout his illustrious career. Viv also talks about the 'Local Heroes' documentary which features his memories alongside former team-mates Tony Woodcock and Garry Birtles.
Mar 28, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 88
In a rare interview, former England international Des Walker recalls the charisma of Brian Clough. "He was a genius who kept things simple," says Walker, who was usually referred to as 'Desmond.' "Yes, that's what he used to say," adds Des. "Like calling Teddy Sheringham 'Edward.' It was a bit like your mum scolding you. But I got used to him pretty quickly and I got comfortable around him." Des talks openly to Green Jumper host Marcus Alton. There are many more great Cloughie memories in this t...
Mar 16, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 87
Jimmy Gordon played a special role in Brian Clough's success. He was the first team trainer, coach and sometimes the Magic Sponge Man, a fans' favourite who would run onto the pitch to treat injured players. In this entertaining pod, Jimmy's grandson Craig recalls some marvellous personal memories - including how Jimmy was often the perfect buffer between Cloughie and the players. This episode also includes an excerpt from a live Green Jumper event.
Feb 24, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 86
In this bitesize episode, Brian Clough's legendary defender Des Walker gives his verdict on the current Nottingham Forest side, drawing a comparison between Cloughie and Reds boss Nuno Espirito Santo. The full interview will be on a future episode. There are more Cloughie memories at brianclough.com .
Feb 09, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 85
This Green Jumper Gem features Gary Mills, who was a teenager when he won the European Cup under the guidance of Brian Clough. In 1980, he became the youngest player to appear in a European Cup Final. The amazing success at such a young age was a result of talent, hard work and the faith that Cloughie had in Young Millsy. Gary speaks to pod host Marcus Alton with humour and emotion about his memories of working with The Gaffer. For signed copies of Gary's book 'Young Millsy' email: jbrinders@yah...
Jan 24, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 84
Alongside memories of meeting Brian Clough in the Nottingham Forest dressing room and in the local newsagents, this episode looks back at the fanzine named after him. And after you've listened to the stories behind 'The Brian,' why not visit the digital versions of the popular publication dating back over 30 years? A special project involving Left Lion magazine, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, digitised the original issues. Visit the website here: The Brian There's also an accom...
Jan 05, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 83
We had some great guests during 2024 and this episode is a compilation of those entertaining Cloughie stories and memories. The Green Jumper has been named as one of the best football podcasts in the world. Please vote for it in the Sports Podcast Awards 2025 - the deadline is 13th January 2025. Here's the link: Sports Podcast Awards 2025 - Best Football Podcast . Thank you and enjoy the Clough Collection 2024....
Jan 01, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 82
Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson is the guest this time, sharing his memories of Brian Clough and football in the 60's, 70's and 80's. As well as success in the East Midlands, Alan recalls Cloughie's time at Hartlepool, where he and Peter Taylor laid the groundwork for them to eventually be promoted. Don't forget to vote for the Green Jumper in the Sports Podcast Awards. We've reached the final of the Best Football Podcast category - up against big names who have corporate sponsorship. Please ...
Dec 23, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 81
In this bonus episode, we're celebrating our inclusion in the final of the global Sports Podcast Awards. A panel of industry experts selected the Green Jumper in their Top 12 football pods - with a public online vote to decide the winner. We're up against some big names who have major corporate backing, so we need your support as the only retro-football pod in the final. Despite its humble beginnings, the Green Jumper has listeners in over 80 countries. And that's down to you - our loyal followe...
Dec 12, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 80
Thousands of fans, alongside former players, joined Brian Clough’s family for the unveiling of the Cloughie statue in Nottingham on 6th November, 2008. It followed a huge fundraising effort by a small group of volunteers who smashed their target in just 18 months - long before the days of online donation pages. This special episode of the Green Jumper tells the behind-the-scenes story. It includes contributions from Nottingham Forest legends, part of an exclusive interview recorded in 2008 with ...
Nov 05, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 79
Just the anticipation of his visit was incredible. When he arrived, there was a huge cheer. Brian Clough's visit to a school's award ceremony, at the height of his European Cup success, certainly didn't disappoint. This episode features special memories of that visit - plus an excerpt from a live Green Jumper event.
Oct 12, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 78
In September 2004, the football world mourned the loss of the most charismatic manager we'd ever seen, Brian Clough. In this special tribute, Cloughie author Marcus Alton looks back at that time with his own personal memories and those of fans and the football community. Stories include the fan who was heartbroken after looking forward to meeting Brian at a book signing planned for a few days later. There are more memories at the tribute website, brianclough.com , as well as in Marcus' books (ra...
Sep 19, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 77
In our latest Green Jumper Gem, former Cloughie defender Paul Hart reflects on Brian Clough's unique man management style and how he heard the news that Brian had passed away in September 2004. For the full interview, just search our Green Jumper back catalogue.
Sep 05, 2024•8 min•Season 5Ep. 76
Photographer John Sumpter captured many famous images of Brian Clough, including the iconic photo of Cloughie meeting Princess Diana at Wembley. "I was so close to them I could hear their conversation," says John, who recalls that magical moment in this Green Jumper pod. That's just one of many great Cloughie stories John shares with pod host Macus Alton in this entertaining episode.
Aug 10, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 75
A former ball boy recalls his strict instructions on matchday: Don't retrieve the ball near the dug-out, Mr Clough will do that! This episode features stories from Cloughie fans, including magical memories of cup finals and meeting Brian Clough. We also talk about the tragedy of Hillsborough in 1989. There's more information about the support group mentioned, HERE. The group's handle on X is @ForestHSA.
Jun 24, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 74
"He used to send my mum a bouquet of flowers every year with a Christmas card. That was the class of the fella." From the heartbreak of being left out of Brian Clough's 1991 FA Cup Final line-up, to receiving a bouquet of flowers from the Miracle Manager after a car crash, this is a fascinating interview with Cloughie legend Nigel Jemson. It's the second part of Marcus Alton's chat with the former striker, who also recalls his winning goal in the League Cup Final - and Cloughie's nickname for hi...
Jun 01, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 73
Here's the second of our Green Jumper Gems: occasional bitesize magical memories. European Cup winner Tony Woodcock talks about his memories of Brian Clough. Woodcock recalls how Cloughie's teams were prepared to take on any opponent, whatever the state of the pitch. Plus the tactical tip Clough gave him during the successful European Cup campaign in 1979.
May 27, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 72
"It was my first interview on national television and the Gaffer grabbed my privates!" Former striker Nigel Jemson soon became used to expecting the unexpected when working for Brian Clough. There are many great stories in the first part of his chat with pod host Marcus Alton. Jemson describes how he turned down Alex Ferguson in order to join Cloughie at Nottingham Forest. "He was just the type of manager I wanted to play for. His sides played football in the right way." This episode also includ...
May 07, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 71
To mark a Green Jumper milestone (downloads in 80 countries) we're launching Green Jumper Gems: occasional bitesize magical memories. Our first 'Gem' is fittingly with Cloughie striker Nigel Jemson. Here, he recalls the build-up to the League Cup Final in 1990, when he scored the winning goal for Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest against Oldham. The pre-match diet included steak and chips - and chocolate.
Apr 29, 2024•2 min•Season 4Ep. 70
"I thought it was one of the players trying a prank on me," says Nigel Jemson as he recalls the phone call which changed his life. The voice on the other end of the line said, "It's Brian Clough here, I understand you want to sign for me." The former striker describes what happened next in this entertaining chat with Green Jumper host Marcus Alton. This episode is a trailer for the full, exclusive interview in which Nigel talks about life behind the scenes with Cloughie - the man he describes as...
Apr 05, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 69
“Forget about the football - which he was fantastic at - my favourite memory of him is his humour. He was very funny.” European Cup winner Ian Bowyer shares his memories of working with Brian Clough in this entertaining chat with pod host Marcus Alton. Bowyer doesn’t take part in many interviews these days, so we were delighted to hear his stories and recollections of life behind-the-scenes with the Miracle Manager. This episode also includes a special discount code for Green Jumper listeners wh...
Mar 11, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 68
"It was the best decision I ever made." That's Ian Bowyer's verdict when looking back at an FA tribunal shortly after Brian Clough's arrival at Nottingham Forest in 1975. Bowyer was out of contract and Cloughie had to go to the hearing at the FA's headquarters in London. The midfielder decided to stay at the City Ground and became a vital part of the side that won the league title and twice lifted the European Cup. "He was the master at preparing you for matches," recalls Bowyer during this fasc...
Feb 05, 2024•8 min•Season 4Ep. 67
Here's a great collection of Brian Clough stories from the Green Jumper podcast during 2023. This compilation includes extracts from interviews with Cloughie legends such as John Robertson, Viv Anderson and Archie Gemmill. There are also memories from journalists who interviewed Cloughie. "He was the master of mind games, long before Alex Ferguson came along," says one of the TV sports presenters. If you've enjoyed listening to the Green Jumper, please consider buying an item to support us and o...
Jan 08, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 66
When TV sports presenter Gary Newbon suffered a stroke, he received a special ‘Get Well’ message - a handwritten note from Brian Clough and his wife Barbara. Their close working relationship went back as far as Cloughie’s days at Derby and continued throughout his time with Nottingham Forest. Brian always remained loyal to Newbon, ensuring he got the interviews he needed - even when it was straight after a 4-0 defeat. Newbon paved the way for the instant post-match TV interviews that we take for...
Dec 20, 2023•25 min•Season 4Ep. 65
Author Marcus Alton tells the story behind the book Brian Clough The Lost Tapes. There's also a chance to win a signed copy of the book which lifts the lid on a treasure trove of Cloughie stories. Brian Clough The Lost Tapes is supporting two good causes. Signed copies are available at the Cloughie shop .
Dec 14, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 64
Brian Clough gave him a peck on the cheek on live television. And now sports broadcaster Gary Newbon has recalled that memorable kiss in our latest pod. Cloughie always remained loyal to Newbon, ensuring he got the interviews he needed - even when it was straight after a 4-0 defeat. Newbon paved the way for the instant post-match TV interviews that we take for granted these days. His new book looks back at an amazing career spanning 50 years. This pod is the trailer for the full interview....
Dec 02, 2023•8 min•Season 4Ep. 63
