Clough: Talk of collision course is over top
NIGEL Clough has dismissed talk of him being on a collision course with chief executive Tom Glick over the proposed appointment of a 'director of football' at Derby County.
A Sunday newspaper claimed Clough might resign if the club went ahead with plans to create such a position and bring in Ross Wilson, who is currently Head of Football Business at Watford.
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Nigel Clough
But the Rams manager says the newspaper report is over-dramatising the situation.
"I am not sure where that story has come from," added Clough.
"I don't think me and Tom (Glick) have ever been on a collision course.
"We have worked together now for the past three and a bit years, and certainly two and a half years since he took on the football role after Adam Pearson left in October 2009, and we have hardly had a cross word in that time.
"To talk about a collision course when we have so much respect for Tom, and everybody at Moor Farm has so much respect for him, is over-dramatising it somewhat.
"We will sit down and talk about things, as we always do."
Glick first revealed plans for a 'director of football' in May last year when he talked about somebody to assist with the transfers of players in and out of the club.
In yesterday's Derby Telegraph, Glick said the person who filled the new position would "take a lot of work off my plate, help with transfers in and out of the football club, work with other clubs and work with agents".
Clough said the club is looking at ways to improve the structure.
"Since Adam Pearson left, Tom has been running the football side and the business side – how he fits it all into one day, honestly I have no idea," added Clough.
"He works all hours and it is just too much for one person.
"So we are talking about ways we can improve that, maybe to get somebody to come and helps us with the agents and the deals, and things like that.
"We are talking about it and trying to find the best solution."
Asked for his thoughts on the 'director of football' role, Clough said: "It hasn't worked out at some clubs.
"That is why we are taking our time discussing all the options to find something that would work for everybody within our club, something that can help us be successful in the future.
"It is more a time issue and about improving the structure to make progress and make ourselves better.
"We are always looking to do that as a club.
"The owners are North American, they have different structures in their sports organisations and so we are looking to find a balance for one that would work here."
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by PeteDerby1
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 7:17AM
“Seems to me there's no problem between Glick and NC - the problems with lack of investment and interference are further up the chain of command and they probably share the same frustrations.
The clue to me is the comment about how different things are in North America in terms of the way 'franchises' are managed and football in the UK.
My view is that the club IS on a collision course, but that collision course is between expectations of the fans versus the reality of being the only club where the owners expect it to be totally self-sufficent without kick-starting things by giving the manager enough funds to trade.
All over this BB I read comments from people having a go at Clough for not making X,Y,Z signings. One was on about the big target man, for example. Clough wanted to take Stevie Howard back, but GSE refused to pay even HALF of his wages (this was told to me by the manager of another club).
How on earth is ANY manager supposed to build a team that can meet with fans' expectations in such circumstances?
The way things are going, the only fans who will be happy are those who are contented to have something to do on a Saturday afternoon and feel grateful that DCFC hasn't gone out of business.
The LOG ensured that wasn't going to happen, but all GSE have to do is point to all of those clubs that have gone bust and say at least we're not them.
Oh, hang on a minute, there aren't any!
I repeat, sensible investment does not risk the financial future of a football club, it secures it.”
by mystic_sheep
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 6:59PM
“I was just giving their game records as manager of this club.
Do you expect me to put every penny each manager has spent, every signing they have made and the day by day running of the club by each manager?
I was just giving you stats related to football results at Derby with them as manager.
If you don't like the stats thats not my problem sorry.
But the facts remain that Clough loses more than he win's and Davies won more than he lost, thats not make believe thats just facts sorry.”
by WIKLOW
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 6:56PM
“The team does not need this - it needs some real leadership - on behalf of and in the best interests of all true Derby County fans IGOR and ALJOSA in NOW!
(Someone will have to explain to TG who they are)”
by WIKLOW
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 6:42PM
“A Director of Football? Exactly what football do they mean ?”
by goalman2000
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 6:22PM
“Paul - I made the comparisons to stimulate debate - now if you want to be half empty that's up to you.
You want fair? How about reading my postand offering something constructive before being nasty about it and assuming I'm a wristslasher.
Also - what about Clough focussing on that we're not near the relegation zone the other day? Instead, why didn't he say we're nearer the play offs etc? He is being half-empty with sorts of comments. Like you say, the season isn't over yet.
I've not given up on this season and also pointed out that stats count for little on match day - it's the team that turns up.”
by trichards92
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 5:02PM
“Qakid: have you listened to the interview he did? Probably not, as a Burton fan with no interest in Derby other than ****ging us and Clough off. But, he speaks highly of Tom Glick and says they've had a good relationship for a few years now, so i'd say there is some respect there.”
by steve1961ram
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 5:01PM
“if theres a director of football appointed then he should not interfere one jot with what Nigels trying to do at Derby,ie,get out of debt best way he is told to and get shot of dead duck footballers,again which he has done apart from 3 or 4 i class not good enough for us,it would be a crying shame if NC were to leave due to interference when he has worked so hard to get the team he wants apart from 3 or 4 quality signings which may materialise next season,we lack in a magor way CONSISTENCY,we appear to be in fear at times of clubs,why ??,its the Championship ,not Premiership,we will hovver above half way this season in my view then push on to try and nick a play off berth next season with Nige at the helm.Steve loyal cumbrian RAM.SSA TOYOTA POPSIDE.”
by ibelieveido
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 3:24PM
“Why ? ...what team are YOU thinking of supporting in div 2 ?
Because it WONT be the RAMS.
Also , some good football has been played at P.P.S THIS SEASON ,
not of late granted ,but it will return.”
by Billy_Wizz
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 3:24PM
“Just goes to show you don't know what you've got til it walks out on you. Who would have thought that Billy Davies with a 43% win rate would be so close to the great Brian Clough - who only managed a win rate of 48% at Derby........”
by Newcastle_Ram
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 3:01PM
“Ultimately, surely we all go to watch football because we want to see our team win, and in the process see some good flowing entertaining football? Not sure the last time i saw the latter at PPS... so all you happy clappers out there who are happy to sit there week in week out applauding the lowering of the wage bill... will you be there applauding 3rd teir football?”