‘I wouldn’t say I was the best manager in the business but I’m in the top one…’
Having now watched every Clough documentary going, and having read The Damned United, Clough: Confidential and now Provided You Don’t Kiss Me, as well as the great man’s first autobiography, I am well versed on all things Brian Howard Clough. The incredible thing is that just when you think you’ve heard every story, every oneliner, every anecdote, a book like this comes along with a whole new perspective on Old Big ‘ead…
Former sports journalist Duncan Hamilton spend two decades in and out of Clough’s office as the Forest correspondent at the Nottingham Evening Post. This granted Hamilton a unique insight into the everyday machinations of one of the beautiful game’s most compelling figures and he delivers that insight here with passion and flair. You get the feeling Cloughie himself would have approved.
Despite being present for Clough’s sad descent into alcoholism, Hamilton never sensationalises or judges his subject. Instead, he wisely chooses to focus on the glory years, whilst never shying away from the more controversial and combative aspects of Clough’s personality. When the author posits that Clough would have been a disastrous appointment as England manager (despite the protestations of the man himself) it is difficult to argue and it is clear that this book is written from the perspective of someone who truly knew Clough (as much as anyone could know such an enigmatic man).
Provided You Don’t Kiss Me is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Brian Clough or in football generally. I loved it.