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Be Good, Love Brian: Growing up with Brian Clough
Craig Bromfield was just 13 years old when Brian Clough, on a whim, took him and his older brother Aaron in.
They came from Southwick, a depressed area of Sunderland, where they lived with their abusive stepfather, and from where they longed to escape. After initially meeting Clough while out begging for money, Clough later invited the brothers to stay at his house. From there a relationship formed which would see Craig living with the Cloughs for nine years, where he was a first-hand witness to the many aspects of Clough's character - his gruffness, his humour, his big-heartedness.
This is a beautiful, inspirational story, which has never before been told, about Clough's gentleness and capacity for generosity. Discover a very different side to this iconic man, one away from the cameras and the football, which shows him for the person he really was.
They came from Southwick, a depressed area of Sunderland, where they lived with their abusive stepfather, and from where they longed to escape. After initially meeting Clough while out begging for money, Clough later invited the brothers to stay at his house. From there a relationship formed which would see Craig living with the Cloughs for nine years, where he was a first-hand witness to the many aspects of Clough's character - his gruffness, his humour, his big-heartedness.
This is a beautiful, inspirational story, which has never before been told, about Clough's gentleness and capacity for generosity. Discover a very different side to this iconic man, one away from the cameras and the football, which shows him for the person he really was.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2021
13 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 31, 2022
Such a good book which sheds a new light on Brian Clough. Craig’s story is tragic, funny and redemptive. He is self reflective, honest and has a self effacing writing style. I absolutely loved this book. A ‘football’ book which is about so much more. Your belief in humanity and the kindness of strangers will be rekindled. A knowledge of football is really not needed to enjoy this book.
October 5, 2023
Really good read, amazing kindness shown by the Clough family.
February 19, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! Even one of the chapter titles is a reference to one of my (many) favourite Billy Mackenzie tracks (Those First Impressions). I have to admit my first impression of Mr Clough was a negative one back in the early 80s, when he criticised one of my footballing heroes, Trevor Brooking, just before the FA Cup Final. However, my respect for Mr Clough was complete when I heard about his personal apology to Trev some years later when he bumped into him at Selhurst Park. Brian had more integrity in his little finger than most so-called superstars today.
I could also relate to a lot of what Craig described about his youth. A violent (in my case step-) father who left when we were young, a love of football and being 'good kids' (respecting our elders and standing up for old folk on the bus etc.), but there's no doubt Craig's early life was a lot tougher than mine ever was! OK, we had a social worker, but we were lucky enough not to go into care and managed to muddle through somehow. However, you really don't need to have had a tough start in life, or even an interest in football, to appreciate this book. All you need is an interest in people. Brian was interested in people and he cared deeply for them. At least those who deserved to be cared for… others he would simply try to educate and enlighten! The world could do with a few more people like Brian these days, that’s for sure!
Saying that, if you’re into football and have any memories of the 80s and early 90s when Brian was in charge at Nottingham Forest, or even just a link with the North East, then you really MUST read it! Craig’s telling of some of the goings on behind the scenes and on the pitch during those years is fascinating and gives real insight to what the game was like back then, including the awful disaster at Hillsborough. Craig treats that tragedy particularly sensitively, especially as he was in the dugout at the time and his older brother was in the crowd. His own personal back story is told with real honesty and emotion, taking you with him every step of the way.
This book will tell you more about the real Brian Clough (and his family, both immediate and extended) than you'll find in any other biopic and it certainly reinforced my growing admiration of the man, as I read and watched more about him over the years since my initial ‘encounter’. Craig tells the story with real passion and pride without missing out any of the imperfections in Brian's character. He was, after all, only human...wasn't he? I'd like to say he's not the Messiah, but the more I read about him…
I think this would make a REALLY great film… The Life of Brian (and Craig)!
I could also relate to a lot of what Craig described about his youth. A violent (in my case step-) father who left when we were young, a love of football and being 'good kids' (respecting our elders and standing up for old folk on the bus etc.), but there's no doubt Craig's early life was a lot tougher than mine ever was! OK, we had a social worker, but we were lucky enough not to go into care and managed to muddle through somehow. However, you really don't need to have had a tough start in life, or even an interest in football, to appreciate this book. All you need is an interest in people. Brian was interested in people and he cared deeply for them. At least those who deserved to be cared for… others he would simply try to educate and enlighten! The world could do with a few more people like Brian these days, that’s for sure!
Saying that, if you’re into football and have any memories of the 80s and early 90s when Brian was in charge at Nottingham Forest, or even just a link with the North East, then you really MUST read it! Craig’s telling of some of the goings on behind the scenes and on the pitch during those years is fascinating and gives real insight to what the game was like back then, including the awful disaster at Hillsborough. Craig treats that tragedy particularly sensitively, especially as he was in the dugout at the time and his older brother was in the crowd. His own personal back story is told with real honesty and emotion, taking you with him every step of the way.
This book will tell you more about the real Brian Clough (and his family, both immediate and extended) than you'll find in any other biopic and it certainly reinforced my growing admiration of the man, as I read and watched more about him over the years since my initial ‘encounter’. Craig tells the story with real passion and pride without missing out any of the imperfections in Brian's character. He was, after all, only human...wasn't he? I'd like to say he's not the Messiah, but the more I read about him…
I think this would make a REALLY great film… The Life of Brian (and Craig)!
February 2, 2024
With thanks to the author, publishers HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
This was a very enjoyable read, offering a fascinating “behind the scenes” view of the real personality of “Old Big ‘ead” himself.
At it’s core, this is a tale of human kindness, and no knowledge of football is required to enjoy it, however those with an interest in English football in the 80s will no doubt enjoy the different stories of characters from that time.
Craig’s story is at various times heartbreaking, preposterous, and laugh-out-loud funny. While his home life and that of his brother are undoubtedly tough, his unlikely relationship with Brian Clough offers him an “out”, and an inside experience of the world of professional soccer that just about every other boy his age has probably dreamt about.
That being said, what Brian and his family did for Craig and his brother extends far beyond the world of soccer, and showed a softer side to Brian that few outside of that circle were probably aware of.
This was a very enjoyable read, offering a fascinating “behind the scenes” view of the real personality of “Old Big ‘ead” himself.
At it’s core, this is a tale of human kindness, and no knowledge of football is required to enjoy it, however those with an interest in English football in the 80s will no doubt enjoy the different stories of characters from that time.
Craig’s story is at various times heartbreaking, preposterous, and laugh-out-loud funny. While his home life and that of his brother are undoubtedly tough, his unlikely relationship with Brian Clough offers him an “out”, and an inside experience of the world of professional soccer that just about every other boy his age has probably dreamt about.
That being said, what Brian and his family did for Craig and his brother extends far beyond the world of soccer, and showed a softer side to Brian that few outside of that circle were probably aware of.
July 7, 2022
This is a fantastic read, I found it to be very well written and a very personal and open account of Craig's Bromfield's incredible story.
The tale itself is a fascinating one, his rough upbringing to a chance encounter that opens up a life so many young kids would dream of, but it's also just as much a story about simple human kindness given what the Clough family do for Craig.
One of my favourite football books is Provided You Don't Kiss Me by Duncan Hamilton, and this could almost pass for a companion piece in that it explores the different sides to Brian Clough and how he could take a personal interest in people.
The tale itself is a fascinating one, his rough upbringing to a chance encounter that opens up a life so many young kids would dream of, but it's also just as much a story about simple human kindness given what the Clough family do for Craig.
One of my favourite football books is Provided You Don't Kiss Me by Duncan Hamilton, and this could almost pass for a companion piece in that it explores the different sides to Brian Clough and how he could take a personal interest in people.
November 22, 2021
A really interesting read. Terms like 'a journey' or 'a rollercoaster' are used too often but Craig's story really does take you on a trip. Not just the AtoZ of the the timeline, but if you are of a certain vintage (I'm 40) and have certain interests (football, Forest, Brian Clough) it is a time machine to a world that now seems so long ago but also related to what we all are now as adults.
It is a study in society. The haves and have nots. It's a story of love and what it means to have it or not have it as a child. It's a story of belonging, escape, believing in magic and miracles and fate and whether you can ever truly escape where you are created.
It's not overly wordy or trying to be something it's not. It's the tale of a young lad with nothing who is given the key to a world he could only of ever dreamed of and how the clash of his nurture prickled against the warm but slightly uncomfortable new world.
You won't believe what you're reading at times, but as the chorus reaches it's crescendo you'll feel every pang of how the author felt.
Oh, but most of all, you will fall in love with the family behind the man you all thought you knew. It's a love letter, an IOU for emotional kindness given and an apology all in one.
If you know a Forest fan aged 30 or older, buy them it for Xmas. If you know a football fan, buy them it for Xmas. If you know someone who thinks they are in a rut and life will never change for 'someone like them' buy them it for Xmas.....you get the idea.....
Well done Craig. In every singe way I could mean that I do. Thank you for sharing your incredible life with us
It is a study in society. The haves and have nots. It's a story of love and what it means to have it or not have it as a child. It's a story of belonging, escape, believing in magic and miracles and fate and whether you can ever truly escape where you are created.
It's not overly wordy or trying to be something it's not. It's the tale of a young lad with nothing who is given the key to a world he could only of ever dreamed of and how the clash of his nurture prickled against the warm but slightly uncomfortable new world.
You won't believe what you're reading at times, but as the chorus reaches it's crescendo you'll feel every pang of how the author felt.
Oh, but most of all, you will fall in love with the family behind the man you all thought you knew. It's a love letter, an IOU for emotional kindness given and an apology all in one.
If you know a Forest fan aged 30 or older, buy them it for Xmas. If you know a football fan, buy them it for Xmas. If you know someone who thinks they are in a rut and life will never change for 'someone like them' buy them it for Xmas.....you get the idea.....
Well done Craig. In every singe way I could mean that I do. Thank you for sharing your incredible life with us
November 20, 2021
An incredible story that you would not believe was true unless you already knew that it was. Written in an engaging style, this shows a side of 'old big 'ed' that few people were aware of, and cements his reputation as a man of brilliance. The honesty of the author has to be admired too, particularly when decisions were made that he is understandably ashamed of. Forest fans will love this, but this book is a wonderful read for anyone. Extraordinary.
January 17, 2022
A moving account of love, friendship, betrayal and redemption involving a young boy who was “adopted” by Brian Clough and his family. The behind the scenes insights into the life of one of Britain’s greatest football managers and one of the country’s most under rated teams is fascinating. This is juxtaposed with the poverty of the author’s upbringing and his inability to fully escape his past. A powerful and unusual story which is both a beautiful thank you and an apology to the Clough family.
June 2, 2022
This is such a unique story and such a unique insight to what a wonderful man Brian Clough was. I've read several books about Clough but to see in each page of this book his kindness and generosity was such a joy.
The way he plucked this young man from a grim path in life to give him a chance at something so much more meaningful and happy is a story I will never forget.
The way he plucked this young man from a grim path in life to give him a chance at something so much more meaningful and happy is a story I will never forget.
April 26, 2022
What a lovely book this was to read. It certainly showed a different side to the Brian Clough that you saw in the media. Just a pity that Craig didn't take full advantage of the escape route he got offered out of the life they grew up in.
March 31, 2022
Great insight into Clough and his family and just a really well told story. Very enjoyable
May 30, 2023
One of the best books I've read in a while,
I'm a lifelong forest fan and didn't know about this story
You don't have to like football to enjoy this book, but it might help
I'm a lifelong forest fan and didn't know about this story
You don't have to like football to enjoy this book, but it might help
April 2, 2023
I love Brian Clough, he was the Forest manager when I was growing up. I might romanticise my childhood memories but he was one of the best things to happen to the club.
There are many books out there about this great man, including his own which I read many years ago but Be Good, Love Brian shows a different side to Old Big ‘Ead. This gives an insight to the man he was at home, at the City Ground, out walking his dog by someone who he welcomed into his home after a chance meeting.
Bromfield’s depiction of Clough rubber stamped that persona shown to the media but he also showed a softer side. The more charitable fatherly side. I’ll admit I was disappointed as Bromfield’s loyalties when tested landed with his friends rather than with the man who changed his life.
There were two points in the book that really got to me. Chapter 16 entitled The Longest Day – I saw the date ‘15 April 1989’ and knew instinctively it wouldn’t be a easy chapter to read. Blomfield’s account is one of disbelief and bewilderment as the events unfolded. Then I felt very emotional as the book came to a close. As Clough left the club he loved, as Blomfield’s misdemeanours came to light, as Clough left this world.
Everyone has an opinion of Brian Clough and Blomfield saw him warts and all. This is an fascinating personal insight to the outspoken man of the 80s and 90s from a close party. From someone who lived with him and the family for a number of years. A man who saw all sides of a football icon. This book isn’t just about football. It’s about a chance to change your life.
There are many books out there about this great man, including his own which I read many years ago but Be Good, Love Brian shows a different side to Old Big ‘Ead. This gives an insight to the man he was at home, at the City Ground, out walking his dog by someone who he welcomed into his home after a chance meeting.
Bromfield’s depiction of Clough rubber stamped that persona shown to the media but he also showed a softer side. The more charitable fatherly side. I’ll admit I was disappointed as Bromfield’s loyalties when tested landed with his friends rather than with the man who changed his life.
There were two points in the book that really got to me. Chapter 16 entitled The Longest Day – I saw the date ‘15 April 1989’ and knew instinctively it wouldn’t be a easy chapter to read. Blomfield’s account is one of disbelief and bewilderment as the events unfolded. Then I felt very emotional as the book came to a close. As Clough left the club he loved, as Blomfield’s misdemeanours came to light, as Clough left this world.
Everyone has an opinion of Brian Clough and Blomfield saw him warts and all. This is an fascinating personal insight to the outspoken man of the 80s and 90s from a close party. From someone who lived with him and the family for a number of years. A man who saw all sides of a football icon. This book isn’t just about football. It’s about a chance to change your life.
August 13, 2022
I'm a bit of a sucker for 'grim up north' books and as a Forest fan who is about the same age as Craig, I enjoyed all the references to the 70s and 80s to both on-field and off-field events.
It's an incredible story about a young boy from Sunderland who has a chance meeting with the world's most famous football manager and their continuing relationship. Not only does it shed a different light on the man who so many talked about, but also the rest of the Clough family, who come across as kindhearted, patient and incredibly down to earth, even when could have (and probably should have) turned their backs on Craig.
A must-read for any Forest fan, or football fans in general - particularly if you grew up in the era of Cloughie.
It's an incredible story about a young boy from Sunderland who has a chance meeting with the world's most famous football manager and their continuing relationship. Not only does it shed a different light on the man who so many talked about, but also the rest of the Clough family, who come across as kindhearted, patient and incredibly down to earth, even when could have (and probably should have) turned their backs on Craig.
A must-read for any Forest fan, or football fans in general - particularly if you grew up in the era of Cloughie.
January 12, 2023
This books tells the story of Craig Bromfield, who, following a chance meeting with Brian Clough moves, along with his brother Aaron away from his life on a rundown estate in Sunderland to live with Brian Clough. The book shows the gentle side to Brian and how he gives the boys the opportunity of a better life. You don’t need to be a football fan to enjoy this book, as it concentrates on Brian’s generosity and caring nature to provide for these two children and give them the chance of a fresh start.
March 5, 2023
A pair of brothers are taken out of poverty and under Brian Clough's wing and get to live the dream with Nottingham Forest in the late 80s and early 90's by accompanying them to matches, staying in the Clough family home, travelling on the team bus, regular access to players etc.. I'd be excited at the prospect of that now as a fully grown man. but he throws it all away. i'm not saying how but it was just stupid.. a great story, part misery lit, part decent football book, and decent football books really are few and far between.. Netgalley ARC
December 3, 2024
Fascinating read, Craig is from Southwick Sunderland, had a difficult upbringing and a chance meeting with football manager Brian Clough led to him living with him and his family for several years following Nottingham Forest all over. Years later Craig would cycle around the UK coast and return to Southwick where he spent several months volunteering with us at SNYP. This is us organising food parcels to go out to struggling Southwick families during the pandemic whilst Craig was getting this book published. A must read!
April 26, 2022
A feel good book about the relationship between a young boy from Sunderland and Brian Clough. Not my usual fare, but a book given to me by a friend. Throughout it shows the humanity of Brian and his family. Complete contrast to his public and working persona, to act like Brian would be to make the world a better place.
March 6, 2023
This book has hugely increased my love & respect for the amazing Brian Clough. I had heard Craig’s story on a Podcast & it made me cry & inspired me to buy the book. I feel very disappointed with Craig & how he threw the Clough family’s kindness back in their faces, but I think his honesty & admission of his mistakes goes some way to make amends.
October 1, 2025
I heard this guy on the radio.. he sounded wistful, regretful & sad about his youthful ingratitude. I enjoyed reading about all his escapades & his family but had to skip lots of the football detail. Yawn. Not my thing. But anyone into the footie & specifically Nottingham Forest am sure they’d give this 5 🌟
August 30, 2024
Almost hard to believe the generosity displayed in this story- funny, moving and beautiful in many ways.
Very sad how things turned out - quite unexpected and sad really. Will always love reading about Brian Clough.. a tremendous character.
Very sad how things turned out - quite unexpected and sad really. Will always love reading about Brian Clough.. a tremendous character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
Brilliant stories of Clough. As a lifelong Forest fan and having lived in Nottingham my entire life i knew nothing of these acts of kindness by the great man!
A real human story throughout makes you feel very grateful for everything you have
A real human story throughout makes you feel very grateful for everything you have
December 14, 2025
Really not into football so this was surprise delight where two worlds meet. I found it engaging as time unfolded and Rigger grew up and effects of influences on his nature. What amazing view on life.
September 3, 2022
Compelling, every page tells a different story. Tragic in many ways but warms the heart
November 30, 2022
If you have an interest in football and a knowledge of Brian Clough I would suggest this is one of those “must” read books.
September 6, 2023
Bromfield is a pretty good writer in parts here - and the stories are of course, golden.
Read
January 30, 2024not sure how much of it is true and how much is made up, but at least it is well written
July 15, 2024
Why would Brian Clough take a boy from Southwick under his wing and give him so much.?It would be frowned upon today
May 18, 2025
Enjoyable, I am assuming it's true and not the work of some fantasist.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews