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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