Chance to walk in Cloughie's shoes thanks to a new book

Martin Perry and pal Geoff Smith have collaborated on The Clough Walk - From Nottingham to Sunderland.

The book details a walking route from Nottingham to Roker in Sunderland, passing through towns and cities associated with “Old Big ‘Ead”.

Along the way, walkers have the opportunity to visit the locations of grounds Clough played and managed at, including Pools’ Victoria Park, although some of those such as Sunderland’s Roker Park, Derby’s Baseball Ground and Middlesbrough’s Ayresome Park no longer exist.

The 150-mile route is described as “not as difficult as other long distance walks” and “accessible to all age groups”.

As well as the grounds where he made his name as a player and manager, the route takes in statues of Clough in Nottingham, Derby and Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough-born Clough played for his hometown team before moving to Sunderland in 1961. After being forced to retire through injury in the mid-1960s, Clough’s first managerial job was at Victoria Park, where he stayed for two years before moving to Derby County in 1967. Clough took the Rams to the First Division in title in 1972 before achieving more success at Nottingham Forest, where he also won the title as well as two European Cups and four League Cups.

He died in 2004.

The book is published by Sigma Press, priced £8.99.