Cricket legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott has spoken out after seeing a tribute to one of North East football’s greatest figures left in a state he says would have “deeply disappointed” the man himself.
The former England batsman was left frustrated and saddened after visiting the seven-foot bronze statue of Brian Clough in Middlesbrough, now hidden behind fencing due to structural concerns, describing the scene as “very difficult” to witness.
Sir Geoffrey, who first met Brian Clough in 1963 and later spoke at his funeral, said the condition of the tribute falls far short of what the iconic manager deserves.
The seven-foot bronze statue, which stands in Middlesbrough’s Albert Park near Clough’s childhood home in Valley Road, has been fenced off for some time due to structural damage.
Sir Geoffrey said: "I first met Brian Clough in 1963 and, through the decades, got to know more about him than most people ever would.
"He was a real stickler for detail, standards, and how things should look.
"He would have been deeply disappointed to see the way it is today, and knowing his wife Barbara so well - I know she would be very sad to see her much loved husband’s statue in this way.
"I had heard the statue was now behind wired fencing, and I wanted to see it for myself.
"To see my great friend in those circumstances was very difficult and frustrating."
Clough, who famously scored 197 goals in 213 appearances for Middlesbrough before becoming one of football’s most successful and charismatic managers, began his managerial career at Hartlepool in 1965.
He went on to win back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest.
Sir Geoffrey said: "Brian was one of the great characters of British and international sport.
"People like him don’t come along often.
"I believe the statue deserves proper care and attention in keeping with his legacy, a lad from Middlesbrough born into a working-class background that went on to become such a huge name - what an inspiration to local youngsters that will pass the statue on their way through life.
"For many supporters, that vision of Brian is part of their matchday experience.
"Fans pass it on their way to the Riverside Stadium, families and generations remembering what he did for their football club and the town.
"He touched so many lives and inspired countless people through his engaging persona.
"That’s why seeing him at his very best matters so much."
Sir Geoffrey suggested that relocating the statue to the Riverside Stadium could be an option, and called for a "long-term solution" to be found with the involvement of Middlesbrough Football Club.
He also urged Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen to support efforts to restore the statue, emphasising that "Brian deserves way better than this".
Local historian Dr Tosh Warwick has also raised his concerns over the declining appearance of the tribute and recently praised Middlesbrough Football Club for listening to his concerns.
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Sir Geoffrey will also be hosting an event at The Hub, Teesside University in Middlesbrough, which will take place across Father’s Day weekend on Friday, June 19.
The event, titled “An Evening with Sir Geoffrey Boycott”, will see him share stories from his long-standing career and reflect on key figures, like Clough, that he has been alongside.
He will also share stories of his decades broadcasting as part of the BBC Test Match Special team, Sky Sports, and working for the global media in his sometimes forthright and often controversial broadcasting work.
Info and tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/goffy-media or by calling: 07990 588424.
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