FORTY years ago today, Brian Clough became manager of Leeds United.
It was a surprise appointment, given his previous outspoken criticism of Leeds.
Clough was sacked after only 44 days in the job.
Don Shaw, the author of 'Clough's War', recalls the story that shocked football and we reproduce an extract from his book.
ON 31 July, 1974, the news placard at the corner of St James Street, Derby, bellowed "CLOUGH JOINS LEEDS".
I bought the paper in utter disbelief.
I had understood Clough's reasons for joining Brighton but what possible reason could there be for him taking over a team whose standards he abhorred, despite them being League champions?
What kind of career move was that?
What kind of hypocrisy was he showing the world, given his public denouncement of Don Revie and his players?
I had my opportunity to find an answer when, within a fortnight, Clough invited Liz and me to join his family at Wembley where Leeds, as champions, faced FA Cup holders Liverpool in the Charity Shield match.
The night before, we stayed as his guests at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington.
As Liz and I waited for the lift, Billy Bremner, the fiery Leeds' captain, joined us.
Noticing Clough approaching, he ducked away and took the stairs, his head down.
Intrigued, I waited until I had a chance to speak to speak to Clough.
Luckily, I encountered him in the lobby just before dinner.
He appeared in a mellow mood so I dared to ask: "Why become their manager? You don't like them. They don't like you."
Clough looked me in the eye: "Don, I'm entitled. I'm a professional football manager. The job came up.
"Top of the First Division. End of story."
He quickly put up a hand to disarm me. "And you're entitled to question," he added.
He took a quick glance around to see he wasn't overheard: "They're nothing like Derby. I can't get one of them to turn and look at me in the dugout."
He laughed, but I detected a hollow ring to it.
l Clough's War by Don Shaw (Ebury Press).
