1974
In 1974, Brian Clough controversially takes over as manager of Leeds United, immediately alienating players due to his past criticisms of the team and the absence of his assistant, Peter Taylor. Flashbacks reveal Clough's successful but turbulent tenure at Derby County, marked by clashes with the board and a fierce rivalry with Don Revie's Leeds. Clough's 44-day reign at Leeds is disastrous, characterized by player rebellion, poor performance, and culminates in his dismissal and a tense televised confrontation with Revie. Ultimately, Clough drives to Brighton to reconcile with Peter Taylor, recognizing his essential partnership for future success.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Brian Clough arrives at Leeds United full of confidence and immediately clashes with the established culture of the club.
Open full beat sheetBrian Clough is listed as Manager of Derby County / Leeds United. Slick, modern, cocky, handsome, ambitious, volatile. In the parsed data, Brian Clough is connected to 33 scenes, 56 dialogue lines, 58 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
33 scenes / 56 dialogue linesDon Revie is listed as Manager of Leeds United / England National Team. Successful, severe, intimidating, superstitious manager. In the parsed data, Don Revie is connected to 9 scenes, 23 dialogue lines, 24 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
9 scenes / 23 dialogue linesBilly Bremner is listed as Leeds United Club Captain. Flint-eyed Scot, Revie's son and heir. In the parsed data, Billy Bremner is connected to 9 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 13.
9 scenes / 4 dialogue linesPeter Taylor is listed as Assistant Manager. Clough's closest friend and professional colleague. In the parsed data, Peter Taylor is connected to 8 scenes, 16 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
8 scenes / 16 dialogue linesJimmy Gordon is listed as Trainer. Clough loyalist, anxious. In the parsed data, Jimmy Gordon is connected to 8 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 7.
8 scenes / 0 dialogue linesJohnny Giles is listed as Leeds United Player. Skilled, intelligent, aggressive midfielder. In the parsed data, Johnny Giles is connected to 8 scenes, first appearing around scene 7.
8 scenes / 0 dialogue linesNorman Hunter is listed as Leeds United Player. Aggressive, dangerous defender. In the parsed data, Norman Hunter is connected to 5 scenes, first appearing around scene 12.
5 scenes / 0 dialogue linesManny Cussins is listed as Chairman of Leeds United. White-haired, blazer-wearing board member. In the parsed data, Manny Cussins is connected to 4 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 33.
4 scenes / 1 dialogue linesAustin Mitchell is listed as TV Presenter. Yorkshire TV current affairs presenter. In the parsed data, Austin Mitchell is connected to 3 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 35.
3 scenes / 5 dialogue lineschar_16 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_16 is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 26.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue lineschar_17 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_17 is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 26.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesDuncan Mackenzie is listed as Leeds United Player. Long-haired, chain-smoking, goal-scorer. In the parsed data, Duncan Mackenzie is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 26.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesBarbara Clough is listed as Brian Clough's Wife. Patient, long-suffering wife. In the parsed data, Barbara Clough is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 10.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesDave Mackay is listed as Derby County Player / Manager. Thick-set, dark-haired bull of a man, Scots accent. In the parsed data, Dave Mackay is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 25.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesJean Reid is listed as Secretary. Don Revie's faithful secretary for 13 years. In the parsed data, Jean Reid is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 8.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesMike Bamber is listed as Chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion. Likeable, ambitious chairman.
0 scenes / 0 dialogue linesSam Longson is listed as Chairman of Derby County. Tough haulage millionaire, cue-ball head.
0 scenes / 0 dialogue linesEstablishing shot of Elland Road stadium in the rain.
Don Revie announces his departure from Leeds United to become the England manager.
Don Revie, Manny CussinsBrian Clough drives his car with his sons.
Brian CloughClough drives past Elland Road without stopping.
Brian CloughClough is interviewed by Austin Mitchell about his new job.
Brian Clough, Austin MitchellDon Revie watches Clough's interview on television.
Don RevieClough arrives at Elland Road and is met by Jimmy Gordon.
Brian Clough, Jimmy Gordon, Billy Bremner, Johnny GilesClough enters his new office and fires Jean Reid.
Brian Clough, Jean ReidClough meets with the Leeds board of directors.
Brian Clough, Manny CussinsFlashback to 1968: Clough and Taylor learn they are playing Leeds in the FA Cup.
Brian Clough, Peter Taylor, Barbara CloughClough addresses the Leeds players for the first time.
Brian Clough, Billy Bremner, Johnny GilesClough gives a team talk to the Leeds players before their first game, emphasizing new discipline and approach.
Brian Clough, Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles, Norman Hunter, Jimmy GordonClough speaks to Bremner in the tunnel, confirming his captaincy and mentioning a card he sent.
Brian Clough, Billy BremnerClough leads the team out while Revie watches from the stands.
Don Revie, Brian Clough, Billy BremnerThe match descends into chaos as players fight.
Clough confronts his players during a stop after the match.
Brian Clough, Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles, Norman HunterThe Leeds team arrives at the Derby car park.
Don RevieClough and Taylor observe the Leeds arrival.
Brian Clough, Peter TaylorClough gives instructions to his players before the match.
Brian Clough, Jimmy GordonClough watches the match and is taunted by a fan.
Brian Clough, Don Revie, Peter Taylor, Jimmy GordonClough confronts his players at half-time with brandy.
Brian Clough, Peter Taylor, Jimmy GordonClough exits the dressing room after the brandy incident.
Brian Clough, Peter Taylor, Jimmy GordonClough paces anxiously during the second half.
Brian CloughClough learns Derby won the match.
Brian Clough, Peter TaylorClough confronts Dave Mackay about buying players.
Brian Clough, Dave MackayClough celebrates his new signings with champagne and attempts to assert his authority over them.
Brian Clough, Duncan Mackenzie, char_16, char_17The new signings are photographed in their new kits while being watched by senior players.
Duncan Mackenzie, char_16, char_17, Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles, Norman HunterClough confronts senior players who challenge his methods and signings.
Brian Clough, Billy Bremner, Johnny GilesClough attempts to console his players after a loss, but they reject his overtures.
Brian Clough, Johnny Giles, Norman Hunter, char_16, char_17A drunk Clough calls Don Revie to taunt him.
Brian Clough, Don RevieClough and Taylor discuss their resignation from Derby County; Clough is confronted by the news of Dave Mackay replacing him.
Brian Clough, Peter Taylor, Jimmy Gordon, Barbara CloughClough watches a game at Elland Road while Don Revie is cheered by the fans.
Brian Clough, Don Revie, Manny CussinsClough is forced to leave the room while the players speak to the board.
Brian Clough, Manny Cussins, Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles, Norman Hunter, Jimmy GordonClough is ambushed into a live TV interview with Don Revie.
Brian Clough, Don Revie, Austin MitchellDon Revie and Brian Clough engage in a heated televised debate moderated by Austin Mitchell.
Don Revie, Brian Clough, Austin MitchellClough drives with his sons after being dismissed from Leeds United.
Brian CloughClough drives south towards Brighton.
Brian CloughClough arrives at Taylor's house to reconcile and ask for his partnership back.
Brian Clough, Peter TaylorOh, we ALL know it now. We know you as the man who's constant outbursts, his defaming of fellow professionals, have brought this game, this beautiful game into disrepute. Who had one of the best jobs in the country, at Derby, and managed to get the sack. Who had one of the best partners in the game, in Peter Taylor, and threw him away. Who was given the greatest gift in British football Leeds United, a team that in ten years hasn't finished outside the top four, and took them to the bottom of the first division. Yes, it's fair to say we all know who you are now.
Well, we're very different people, Don and I. We have different styles. In football and in life. I'm a warm man. An idealist. I do believe in faeries, and that is my outlook. Don is different. There's a hardness to him. A hardness. Maybe he's not even aware of it. But he's a cold person.
Listening to you, I am struck that this is not just a business matter for you both. It's more than that. It's personal. Am I right?
Perhaps if Mr. Clough were to step outside, we would all feel a little more like speaking our minds.
Aye, and you can have 'em. A hundred and fifty thousand pound for the pair.
Well are you surprised? What else was I going to do?? After what you did...
Bollocks to Mr. Revie! You're professional footballers. Stop Stan Bowles!
You were. You were taking over the best bunch of players you'd ever seen.
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