BRIAN Clough, one of football's most controversial figures, returned to his native North-East yesterday.

The famous manager was recently beaten in a poll to find Middlesbrough's most famous son, by Captain Cook.

"Who does he play for then?" came his acid response.

Clough was in Waterstones, in Middlesbrough, to promote his book, Cloughie: Walking On Water, in which he shares his views about managers, including Arsene Wenger, Glen Hoddle and Alex Ferguson.

Clough also talks frankly about his battle with alcoholism and the liver transplant that saved his life.

"People can expect to get the truth," he said.

Clough remains a hero among football fans, who admire his no-nonsense style and impressive track record.

Born in Middlesbrough in 1935, he played for his home town club at 20 and went on to score 197 goals in 213 league appearances, before going on to Sunderland, where he scored 54 goals in 61 games.

As a manager, he famously led both Derby County and Nottingham Forest from the second division to the first division championships.

He now lives in Derby but has not forgotten his roots.

"I love coming here because it where I am from and where I was brought up," he said.

"I was born and bred here. My family are still in Middlesbrough and my wife is from the area, so we get up reasonably regularly."

"I am delighted with the turnout for the signing. Without wishing to sound conceited, because I am conceited, this is a normal amount of people. I know because I have already done three of these."