The Life of Brian’s Statue: Getting things done

Brian Clough’s statue in Nottingham muses on his life and what’s happening in the world today…

Well, now the weather’s getting a bit better, y’get all kind of folk popping out of the woodwork. Y’see some fellers with shorts on, even though it’s a bit early in the year. These days, the fashion is to wear ‘em quite long – down to the knees.

Of course, in my playing days the style was much shorter, but not as bad as the 70’s! In those days they were so short, they made yer eyes water. And that was just looking at ‘em! It must have been bloody uncomfortable wearing those buggers! I reckon the reason why England failed to qualify for two World Cup Finals in the 70’s was due, mainly, to the design of those shorts.

It’s little details like that which make all the difference. Success or failure can hinge on the most unlikely things. Of course, as a manager, I was a perfectionist, always insisted on the highest of standards. If a player needed a certain type of boot, I made sure he got it. If the pitch needed watering, I made sure it got watered – even if I had to do it my bloody self!

That’s what separates the best managers from the rest. Y’have to know yer club inside out, top to bottom – and then you have to get things done. I had a reputation for getting things done and if they’d have made me England manager back in the 70’s, the first thing I’d have done is burn those bloody shorts!