I really can see your point of view and agree with 99% of it but I hope this at least explains my thinking. As for Gillian, she forced Craig to commit fraud on her behalf – dropping him off at the post office so he could sign a false name on a stolen pension book and collect the money on behalf of his “auntie”. Jerry died 31 years ago, and today Craig is close to Gillian: “She’s a fighter, a survivor – she’s incredibly strong.” Brian was at the front of the Forest bus, slumped in his seat. The deaths had left him distraught; the early, confused reports that Liverpool fans have stormed the gates and triggered a catastrophe have left him furious. Brian has a rifle for shooting pheasants, although it has yet to be fired at anything. Now, he threatens to use it on those milling around outside. For those few days, he retreated totally into himself. He was as quiet and as alone as I ever saw him. Those days will be the start of his being dragged down by alcohol.

There were various stages through the book, because of it being cathartic, where I was expecting to get more of a happy feeling but I still have not had it. I thought once I had the physical book in my hand I would get it. Maybe it will come on publication day." There are many books out there about this great man, including his own which I read many years ago but Be Good, Love Brian shows a different side to Old Big ‘Ead. This gives an insight to the man he was at home, at the City Ground, out walking his dog by someone who he welcomed into his home after a chance meeting. I hope I can do that, the book has already benefitted 2 childrens charities and a homeless shelter. Over to the left, in the Leppings Lane end, Liverpool supporters are being lifted over the fences or being helped up to the second tier of the stand. The game comes to a standstill. The Clough's did nothing wrong and nothing to deserve what I did. But what rhey did for me should be known.

I don't know if it selfish but that might help me if I am able to contribute to one or two kids having a better life. The next day, I went out to take Del the dog for a walk when someone emerged from behind a clump of trees.

Craig also witnessed Clough’s descent into alcoholism, accelerated by his experience of the Hillsborough tragedy (Forest were playing Liverpool the day dangerous overcrowding in two terrace “pens” led to 97 Liverpool fans being killed). “I saw someone I loved deeply start to decline. But if anything he became even more protective with me.” In 1993 Forest were relegated and Clough retired. He was only 58 but he looked like an old man, his eyes dulled and distant, his cheeks reddened and blotched by alcohol. I'm replying to this one to say, no I don'think you are being harsh at all. It was unforgivable, they did handle it with class and perhaps I should have avoided this particular topic. They did not want to ruin my life. Brian did say that he had brought me down to give me a better life and if he had called the police my life would have been over. It is something I struggle with, letting them down as I did when they had shown me such love.

He would send newspaper cuttings of his success in Poland to the Clough family, perhaps in the hope that they would feel some pride and vindication in their decision. He was not so much proving them wrong but proving them right for giving him that chance. It was a life transformed. Time spent on the team bus with England internationals Stuart Pearce and Des Walker, taking part in training sessions, witnessing Wembley cup final wins. Memories to cherish. "Growing up around heroes and having amazing experiences." Nowadays, he says, the only true happiness he gets is from following Nigel Clough around the country, watching whichever team he’s managing. Now Nigel is at Mansfield, with Simon alongside him as chief scout. He doesn’t talk to the Cloughs when he goes to the matches; he doesn’t even tell them he is there. “Brian used to say, ‘You’re either loyal or you’re not’ and for a while I was not. The only way I can show him I’m loyal now is by following Nigel. I love any club he goes to. I immerse myself in it.” Be Good, Love Brian has got everything – love, friendship, laugh-out-loud comedy, football, and a heart-breaking betrayal. Craig Bromfield's feel-good story about Brian Clough's life changing generosity ends up something akin to a modern-day Shakespearian tragedy” – Simon Hattenstone, The Guardian I walk up the drive and tell Brian, who marches out, looking for the man. For the next three days, there are journalists and photographers in the garden.

When discovered by the Clough family, it was handled delicately. The authorities were not involved, there was even severance pay. Gorgeously moving, hilariously funny and incredibly insightful. Craig Bromfield’s beautifully written book about his life with Brian Clough is one you’ll never forget as there are laughs, tears and life lessons. It also solved lots of Christmas present dilemmas as I bought ten copies.” – Julie McAffrey, Daily MirrorI broke down in the office and could not stop crying for 10 to 15 minutes. I was angry with myself for not fixing it. It left me with such a hole. I have had a fantastic life since meeting Brian but nothing can follow that. It is heart-breaking that he has gone. I was crushed." I would have gone to prison because the amount was substantial. My life at that point would have been ruined by a criminal record, a reputation. I had no education. I would have had no chance if they had done what they could have done. I started it 16 years ago, but could never finish it,” Craig says. “The final chapter was too difficult.” Gradually, as the story unfolds, I begin to realise why. Craig Bromfield was just 13 years old when Brian Clough, on a whim, took him and his older brother Aaron in.