Howard Kendall and Brian Clough managed when drink was stimulus for creative thought among football men... we raise a glass to them, thanks for the memories
- Former Everton manager Howard Kendall passed away aged 69
- Kendall guided the Toffees to two league titles in the mid-1980s
- Former Blues midfielder enjoyed a drink whilst discussing beautiful game
Howard Kendall has joined Brian Clough in the celestial saloon bar.
It should be quite a reunion, for these great men rank among football’s all-time champion drinkers.
Before the thought police launch into their politically correct outrage, there was nothing wrong with that in principle.
Former Everton midfielder and manager Howard Kendall passed away at the age of 69
Kendall oversaw a glittering era at Goodison Park, including winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1985
For their families this may not be the first memory they would like revived and Clough’s battle with the bottle and eventual abstinence has been well documented in two movies, now.
But a tipple with young Howard or Old Big ‘Ead used to be among the fondest pleasures of a football reporter’s life.
It should be remembered that Clough and Kendall grew up in a different football environment. Those halcyon years belonged to a man’s world when a drink was the door opener to frank, amusing, informative conversation about the game we all loved.
Such occasions were the font of knowledge and a stimulus for creative thought among the most intelligent football men.
They were part of the atmosphere in which Clough transformed middle-of-the-road Nottingham Forest into two-time European Champions, Kendall inspired Everton to lift two English titles and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Nor were they alone.
Brian Clough guided Nottingham Forest to two European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980
The second, current Clough movie is entitled I Believe In Miracles. Sometimes it was indeed a miracle to get through a night with Cloughie or a few his peers still upright.
Of course, if it goes over the top too often it threatens health in the long term.
It is poignant that both Kendall and Clough should pass away at the same early age, 69.
We miss them but they remain legends. In company with George Best and Eusebio - to name but plenty - they are football immortals who toasted their own glories and for some of us it was privilege to do so with them.
Kendall and Clough are football immortals in company with Manchester United hero George Best
Am I to be accused of viewing our sociable time spent together through rose-tinted glasses?
If so, then permit me to raise one to them.
Cheers, gentlemen, and thanks for the memories.
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