BY common consensus, Brian Clough was conceited and big headed.

Despite those dubious qualities, it is a tribute to his managerial talents that even 11 years after his retirement, he was revered by football supporters and players alike.

Fans tuned in to a national radio interview earlier this month as he remained in typically forthright and entertaining form.

And on news of his death yesterday, players who had been the butt of his ridicule spoke endearingly of his genius.

For all his faults and weaknesses, Brian Clough was among the finest and most colourful figures to grace the game of football.

His achievement in winning League titles with two provincial clubs has never been matched. Nor has his achievement in winning successive European Cups with an English club.

On two occasions he was interviewed for the England manager's job. One wonders what he may have achieved if the FA had had the courage to take him on. Instead, he had to make do with the title of the best manager England never had.

While he earned a reputation as a no-nonsense disciplinarian, away from football he was an intensely compassionate and generous man, devoted to his family and helping others less fortunate than himself.

He was also fiercely proud of his Middlesbrough roots, playing for his home-town club, and his association with Sunderland and Hartlepool.

He may have called himself "Old Big 'Ead", but he always recognised that football and its supporters were far more important than any individual, even one as immensely talented as Brian Clough.

Those involved in the modern game could do worse than follow his example.