Clough statue's 'spooky' injury

One theory is that children have been swinging on the leg

A statue of footballing legend Brian Clough has sustained a mysterious injury to the same leg that ended his playing career.

The bronze figure was erected last year at Albert Park in the late manager's home town of Middlesbrough.

But park officials have now noticed a serious fatigue fracture on its right leg, which mirrors Clough's 1962 ligament injury.

His sister Doreen Elder said the unexplained damage was "strange".

The grandmother-of-two and former Navy Wren said: "We thought when it was erected it was up for life. But it is strange how the damage is to his right leg - the statue is more true to life now I suppose.

"They got his legs just right. He had lovely legs, proper footballer's legs. I hope they can repair it so that he's as good as new."

I think he might be telling us something from up in heaven Councillor John McPartland

The 7ft statue has now been protected behind temporary fencing while an investigation into the extent and cause of the fracture is carried out.

One theory being explored by council officials is that the crack may have been caused by children swinging on the leg.

Middlesbrough town councillor John McPartland said: "It's the same leg Cloughie injured in 1962. I think he might be telling us something from up in heaven.

Clough played for Middlesbrough and Sunderland

"I am disappointed the statue is 'out of action' but I know the council was on to this problem immediately and everything will be done to put the statue back in order as soon as possible."

The statue, sculpted by Vivien Mallock, shows a 24-year-old Clough with his boots slung over his shoulder striding towards Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough's former ground, on his way to training.

He began his playing career at Middlesbrough, later playing for neighbouring Sunderland, and went on to score 251 goals in 274 games for the two North East clubs

Later he led Derby County and Nottingham Forest to league championships and won two European Cups with the Nottingham club in 1979 and 1980.

The former player and manager, awarded an OBE in 1991, died of cancer in September 2004, aged 69.

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