The ragtag boy who was taken in by a football icon

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The incredible story of the football icon who changed a boy's life. Craig Bromfield's start in life was difficult: there was often no electricity in his childhood home, and he didn’t even own a coat. He was in and out of the social care system, and would ask for money on the street. This is what 11-year-old Craig was doing with his brother Aaron, one fateful day in 1984, on a windswept seafront in the North East of England when he crossed paths with the era’s most famous football manager, Brian Clough - and his life was changed forever. Brian Clough was manager of Nottingham Forest at the time, but his character transcended sport and regularly delighted UK television audiences. After a few meetings with Craig, Brian’s public persona as an opinionated and uncompromising football boss melted away. Behind the studio lights and the bravado, Brian was a secret softie. He wanted to give Craig a better life, and incredibly, invited him to live with him and his family. Only Craig's early years would come back to haunt him when at 19 he made a decision that put the two men’s friendship on the line. Craig's published a memoir called Be Good, Love Brian: Growing up with Brian Clough. Presenter: Asya Fouks Producers: Elena Angelides and Edgar Maddicott Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Craig Bromfield (L) and his brother Aaron with Brian Clough on their first visit to Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. Credit: Courtesy of Craig Bromfield)