Brian Clough Documentary: The Legendary ITV Interview
Football enthusiasts and historians often look back at certain television moments that defined an era. One such iconic broadcast was the legendary face-to-face interview between Brian Clough and Don Revie that aired on ITV in 1974, following Clough's dismissal from Leeds United after just 44 days in charge.
A Historic Football Confrontation
This page formerly hosted video content from Viddler.com that captured this remarkable television moment - a three-way interview moderated by Austin Mitchell featuring Brian Clough and Don Revie in an unfiltered exchange that has become legendary in football broadcasting history.
The interview, which originally aired on Yorkshire Television's "Calendar" program, represented a style of raw, unscripted sports journalism that many fans and commentators believe is missing from modern broadcasting. The confrontation between the outgoing manager (Clough) and his predecessor (Revie, who had recently taken the England job) offered viewers unprecedented insight into the personalities and philosophies of two of football's most influential figures.
What Made The Interview Remarkable
According to discussions on North Stand Chat, a Brighton & Hove Albion fan site, viewers particularly appreciated:
- Clough's characteristic direct communication style, often addressing viewers at home through the camera
- The schoolboy-like smirks from Clough, especially when suggesting he might apply to Revie for the England youth coach position
- The unfiltered sparring between two football giants with contrasting philosophies
- The candidness that seems absent from modern football media encounters
Brian Clough: A Larger Than Life Character
The content previously hosted here showcased why Brian Clough remains such a compelling figure in football history. His brief but tumultuous tenure at Leeds United later inspired the novel and film "The Damned United," though as noted in fan discussions, Clough's family had criticized some portrayals of his character during this period.
Clough went on to achieve legendary status managing Nottingham Forest, winning back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 - extraordinary achievements that cemented his place as one of football's greatest managers despite his unsuccessful spell at Leeds.
Legacy of the Interview
While the original video content is no longer available since Viddler.com ceased operations, this confrontation stands as a testament to a time when football interviews were less managed and more authentic. As one forum member noted, "If only they made managers do this now, it would be great to see... a frank chat live on TV."
The Clough-Revie interview remains a fascinating historical document of football culture in the 1970s and continues to be referenced as an example of sports broadcasting at its most compelling and unvarnished.