Organisers are now hoping to win the backing of individuals, companies and other organisations in Nottinghamshire and are looking for more people who are willing to be involved in a committee or have fund-raising ideas.
It's hoped that fund-raising efforts will mirror those already started in Cloughie's birthplace of Middlesbrough, where plans are underway for a memorial in Albert Park. The move has the backing of the Nottingham Forest Supporters Club, the tribute website www.brianclough.com and the fanzine Blooming Forest. The idea of having a statue in Nottingham city centre also has the approval of members of Brian Clough's family.
Sarah Clarke of brianclough.com says she hopes the idea of a statue in Nottingham will have widespread support: "A statue of Brian Clough would be a permanent tribute from the people of Nottinghamshire to a man who achieved so much and put the city and county on the map. It's important that fans and visitors to Nottingham have a focal point at which they can pay homage to the man who touched so many lives. The memorial should be easily accessible to everyone at any time of day."
The chairman of the Nottingham Forest Supporters Club, Paul Ellis, gave his backing. He said: "Brian Clough achieved unprecedented success at Forest and a statue would be a fitting tribute to a remarkable man. We’re hoping that when fund raising starts, as many individuals and organisations as possible will support it.”
Rich Fisher from Blooming Forest commented: "I think it's a fantastic idea. They're already raising a lot of money in Middlesbrough for a memorial there and we're hoping to use those efforts as a blueprint for a campaign in Nottinghamshire."
The leader of Nottingham City Council, Councillor Jon Collins said: "I’ll do all I can to help the fund-raising efforts. It's a marvellous idea in tribute to an incredible man. You only have to look at the response of people who attended the civic tribute which we held in Nottingham to see what Brian Clough meant to the people of Nottinghamshire and beyond."
It’s thought that a statue could cost around £60,000, but the exact amount won’t be known straightaway. Campaigner Mike Simpson said: “It will mean a major fund raising campaign. The type of statue and exact location are open for debate.”
Sarah Clarke added: “It’s still at a very early stage, but we hope the people of Nottinghamshire will really take this to their hearts, just as they did the Great Man himself. Anyone who wants to help or has fund-raising ideas should e-mail the website, which is non-profit making. The address is sarah@brianclough.com. But we’ll have to wait for the fund to be launched before any money is raised or donations accepted.”
For more details, e-mail sarah@brianclough.com