Provided You Don't Kiss Me: 20 Years with Brian Clough

Duncan Hamilton chronicles his two decades as a journalist covering Brian Clough, the legendary manager of Nottingham Forest Football Club from 1975-1993. The book draws from Hamilton's extensive personal interactions with Clough during his time reporting on the team for the local newspaper. The narrative spans Forest's historic rise and eventual decline under Clough's leadership, capturing both public triumphs and behind-the-scenes moments. Hamilton recounts his weekly meetings with the manager in his office, press conferences, and countless conversations that revealed Clough's complex personality and management style. Hamilton's account documents Clough's transformation over the years, from the height of his powers to his final days at the club. The book presents a mix of professional observation and personal reflection, built from thousands of interactions between the author and his subject. The result is both a sports biography and a meditation on power, success, and the toll of public life. Through intimate access to one of football's most compelling figures, the book explores broader questions about leadership, fame, and human nature.

Readers highlight the intimate, behind-the-scenes access Hamilton had to Brian Clough during his time as a sports journalist. Many note the book captures Clough's complexities - both his charm and his difficult sides. Likes: - Raw, honest portrayal that doesn't glorify Clough - Personal anecdotes and conversations that reveal character - Writing style that brings scenes to life - Balance between football stories and personal moments Dislikes: - Some found the non-chronological structure confusing - A few readers wanted more about specific matches/seasons - Limited coverage of Clough's earlier career Ratings: Goodreads: 4.18/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (280+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.5/5 (90+ ratings) "The most honest football book I've ever read" - common reader sentiment across platforms. Multiple reviews praise Hamilton's ability to show Clough as "brilliant but flawed" rather than just focusing on his successes.

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🏆 Duncan Hamilton spent two decades as a sports journalist covering Brian Clough at the Nottingham Evening Post, beginning when he was just 16 years old. ⚽ The book's title comes from a condition Clough once gave Hamilton when offering him exclusive access: "provided you don't kiss me... you can do what you want." 🏆 The book won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award in 2007, beating out heavyweight contenders including autobiographies by Bobby Charlton and Harold Larwood. 🍺 Despite Clough's legendary status as a manager, Hamilton reveals his deep struggles with alcoholism, including drinking before matches and keeping vodka hidden in his office. 🌟 Brian Clough led both Derby County and Nottingham Forest to league championships, and took Forest from the second division to back-to-back European Cup victories - a feat that remains unmatched in English football.