This week sees the release of the new British film; 'The Damned United' which illustrates the life of iconic football manager Brian Clough in the 1970's, with particular focus on his short spell as manager of Leeds United in 1974.
However, Brian Clough’s family have decided to boycott the film as they feel the film shows no true representation of the real family man that they knew.
The author, David Peace, had previously stated on the release of the book that it was “always a portrait of Brian Clough, rather than a photograph or biography.”
Clough's daughter, Elizabeth, disagreed with this and said her mother, Barbara, and brothers, Simon and Nigel (the current manager of Derby County football club) objected to the film, which she described as a "ludicrous interpretation" of her father;
"My family object to the film because we do not want anybody to believe that this is an accurate portrayal of him as a man," she said.
"The author of the novel had never even met my dad, so to display such an obvious personal dislike is perplexing. Perhaps he has a problem with talented, courageous and powerful men."
She also admitted the obvious popularity this film will pose on its release;
"The film, unfortunately, may reach a wider and more impressionable audience. People will, of course, go to see the film, Dad has always been extremely popular, but as a family, we sincerely hope they don't because we believe it’s a ludicrous interpretation of people and events."
Andy Harries, the producer of the film, believes that it was important to show people and fans of Clough the main elements of his personality, in particular, his raw appetite for the game.
He also commented on how the filmmakers wanted the family to be involved in the process of showing this. He said;
"We have done everything we can to invite the family into the process of making the film. I can imagine that it would be difficult to watch a husband or father portrayed in a film, but Clough was a notoriously controversial character, and the film captures that.”
Jonathan Garnett, The Steel Bugle.
However, Brian Clough’s family have decided to boycott the film as they feel the film shows no true representation of the real family man that they knew.
The author, David Peace, had previously stated on the release of the book that it was “always a portrait of Brian Clough, rather than a photograph or biography.”
Clough's daughter, Elizabeth, disagreed with this and said her mother, Barbara, and brothers, Simon and Nigel (the current manager of Derby County football club) objected to the film, which she described as a "ludicrous interpretation" of her father;
"My family object to the film because we do not want anybody to believe that this is an accurate portrayal of him as a man," she said.
"The author of the novel had never even met my dad, so to display such an obvious personal dislike is perplexing. Perhaps he has a problem with talented, courageous and powerful men."
She also admitted the obvious popularity this film will pose on its release;
"The film, unfortunately, may reach a wider and more impressionable audience. People will, of course, go to see the film, Dad has always been extremely popular, but as a family, we sincerely hope they don't because we believe it’s a ludicrous interpretation of people and events."
Andy Harries, the producer of the film, believes that it was important to show people and fans of Clough the main elements of his personality, in particular, his raw appetite for the game.
He also commented on how the filmmakers wanted the family to be involved in the process of showing this. He said;
"We have done everything we can to invite the family into the process of making the film. I can imagine that it would be difficult to watch a husband or father portrayed in a film, but Clough was a notoriously controversial character, and the film captures that.”
Jonathan Garnett, The Steel Bugle.
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