The statue of the man who masterminded one of Nottingham Forest’s most famous moments in their history had a spruce-up this week to mark the 40 anniversary of that success.
The legendary Brian Clough, together with his assistant manager Peter Taylor, were at the helm on Wednesday 30 May, 1979, when their Forest side beat Malmo in Munich to lift the European Cup.
The club would go on to create more history the following season by defending the trophy in Madrid with another 1-0 victory, this time over German side Hamburger SV.
In honour of the 40th anniversary of the first of these two famous victories, the Brian Clough statue was given a clean and wax to make sure it is looking at its very best.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “We have very many things that make us proud about our city, but right up the top of that list is Forest’s successes in the European Cup which really put Nottingham on the map.
“What Brian Clough, Peter Taylor and their players and staff achieved in 1979, and the fact the trophy was retained the year after, will forever be remembered by the club’s supporters.
“We felt it was fitting that the Brian Clough statue should have a clean and polish in recognition of the 40th anniversary of that first famous victory and for everything that he did for football in the city.”
The statue was unveiled in King Street more than a decade ago and came about thanks to the hard work and dedication of a small team of volunteers working in partnership with the City Council.
Paul Ellis, the chairman of the Brian Clough Statue Fund which raised the money for the statue, said: “Forty years on from that fantastic achievement in Munich, it’s only fitting that Cloughie’s statue gets this special attention.
“The sculpture has become a much-loved fixture in the city centre, it’s a key part of Nottingham’s city landscape, and it’s great that he’ll be looking his best for the anniversary.
“At the unveiling ceremony in 2008, Mrs Clough said Brian had a special place in the hearts of Nottingham people – and he treasured them too. All the people who contributed to the fund-raising appeal can feel proud of a statue that celebrates all he achieved and the fact he put Nottingham on the map.
“On behalf of the fund-raising committee, I’d like to thank the City Council for ensuring the statue is kept in tip-top condition not only for this special occasion but for years to come.”
Paul (centre) is pictured with Councillor Trimble (left) and Dave Halstead, Director of Neighbourhood Services at Nottingham City Council.