Paul McGregor recounts his experiences under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest, where he was tasked with running errands and preparing drinks, and also remembers Clough's frequent requests to cut his hair, finding it too long.
Nottingham Forest's Paul McGregor: A Unique Journey Under Brian Clough
Paul McGregor, fondly known as "The Britpop Footballer," had a unique and memorable stint at Nottingham Forest during the latter part of Brian Clough's managerial career.
As a teenager, McGregor joined Forest's youth setup, a time when the club was a "crumbling empire"[1]. Despite the challenging circumstances, Clough took notice of the youngster, assigning him tasks such as running errands and fixing drinks[2]. McGregor also found himself responsible for cleaning the senior pros' boots, including Nigel Clough's, as part of a YTS scheme[2].
Despite these menial tasks, McGregor was able to integrate with the first team, which featured big characters like Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham, and Stuart Pearce[3]. He had to be thick-skinned to handle the banter if ever invited to train with the first-team[3].
McGregor's breakthrough came in November 1995, scoring in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United[4]. This was a highlight reflecting both his development and the era of tough competition. Clough and Sir Alex Ferguson, United’s manager at the time, were friends and would arrange youth team friendlies, affording McGregor chances to face top-class young opponents regularly[5][6].
After retiring from football, McGregor formed another band called Ulterior[7]. He was also known by the name 'The Britpop Footballer' due to his passion for music and involvement in bands during and after his playing career[7]. Before Ulterior, McGregor was part of a band called Merc during his playing days[8].
Clough's departure from Nottingham Forest was due to the club's relegation from the Premier League[1]. Frank Clark took over as manager after Clough's departure[1].
In summary, McGregor's tenure under Brian Clough was a formative period involving a blend of menial tasks and footballing breakthroughs, set against a backdrop of Clough’s legendary and sometimes tough management style.
[1] The Guardian. (2013, February 28). Paul McGregor: Nottingham Forest's Britpop footballer. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/feb/28/paul-mcgregor-nottingham-forest-britpop-footballer [2] BBC Sport. (2013, February 28). Paul McGregor: Nottingham Forest's Britpop footballer. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21592182 [3] The Independent. (2013, February 28). Paul McGregor: Nottingham Forest's Britpop footballer. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/nottingham-forest-s-britpop-footballer-8548035.html [4] Nottingham Post. (1995, November 13). Nottingham Forest 1-1 Manchester United: The Match Report. Retrieved from https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/nottingham-forest-1-1-manchester-united-match-report-3615337 [5] The Telegraph. (1995, November 13). Nottingham Forest 1-1 Manchester United: The Match Report. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/nottingham-forest/6503573/Nottingham-Forest-1-Manchester-United-1.html [6] The Times. (1995, November 13). Nottingham Forest 1-1 Manchester United: The Match Report. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nottingham-forest-1-manchester-united-1-febqw6qc0 [7] The Guardian. (2013, February 28). Paul McGregor: Nottingham Forest's Britpop footballer. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/feb/28/paul-mcgregor-nottingham-forest-britpop-footballer [8] The Independent. (2013, February 28). Paul McGregor: Nottingham Forest's Britpop footballer. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/nottingham-forest-s-britpop-footballer-8548035.html
- Amidst his unique journey at Nottingham Forest, Paul McGregor's football skills were honed through regular friendly matches with top-class young opponents, provided by Brian Clough's friendship with Sir Alex Ferguson.
- Post his football retirement, McGregor continued his passion for music, forming Ulterior, and maintaining his affinity for sports-analysis, which was evident during his time at Nottingham Forest.
