Every player who played for Nottingham Forest under the famous Brian Clough has a tale to share about the great man.
Listen to Mark Crossley, for example, and he can recount three or four amusing instances in which Clough demonstrated his originality.
Clough led Forest to European Cup triumph twice during his 18-year tenure at the City Ground.
The sole piece of silverware Clough did not win was the FA Cup, which Forest were unfairly denied against Tottenham in 1991.
Roy Keane was among Clough’s most successful signings as Forest manager.
He brought him to the club from Ireland’s Cobh Ramblers, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now, the acclaimed analyst has been talking about what Clough did for him when he first arrived, which worked perfectly.
Roy Keane explains what Brian Clough did for him when he signed with Forest.
Keane was only a youngster when he originally joined for Forest, and moving to a new nation must have been terrifying.
Clough made sure Keane had all he desired, guaranteeing a smooth transition to men’s football in England.
Keane spoke on the Stick to Football podcast about what the legendary manager did when he first arrived at Forest.
He explained, “Then I got to Forest, and all of a sudden you’re going, you’re getting paid to be a full-time player. It felt like I had died and gone to heaven. I couldn’t believe my luck at 18, 19 years old.
“Talk about selecting the appropriate club for me. The forest was lovely. The city was the ideal size for me.
“Brian Clough, they put me in digs near the train and the stadium.” I met several great guys who I’m now close friends with. I just couldn’t have chosen it. It was an ideal situation for me.”
Roy Keane selected among Nottingham Forest’s top eleven of all-time
The midfielder only stayed at Forest for three years, but he had a significant effect during his time there.
He scored 33 goals in 154 appearances across all competitions and proved a big hit with the fans.
Keane was named to the club’s all-time eleven when fans were asked to vote in 2015.
That speaks volumes about where he ranks when it comes to the best players who have ever played for the club.
These statements plainly indicate that he is eternally thankful to Forest for taking a chance on him.
Since Forest’s return to the Premier League, Keane has regularly had positive things to say about the club, and Nottingham is clearly close to his heart.
