Filming started on £5m Cloughie film

Last updated : 20 June 2008 By Rams Mad Editor

Filming has started on a new film that features Brian Clough. 'The Damned United' does not reflect the glory days of Clough at Derby, winning their first ever League title, or even his days at Nottingham Forest. The film concentrates on the controversial 44 days he was in charge of Leeds United.

The Film is based on the book by David Peace, which was widely condemned by the Clough family, they thought the book portrayed Brian as a nasty and unfriendly man, which we all know is untrue. Peace however has a history of provocative books, one of his previous publication centred on the miners strike and its effects.

Michael Sheen
Michael Sheen as Tony Blair
The Damned United film is well financed to the tune of £5m and with plenty of first rate actors taking parts of people associated with Derby County. Michael Sheen takes the part of Brian Clough. Sheen is well know for his portrayal of Tony Blair in the film "The Queen".

Jim Broadbent takes the part of former Rams Chairman Sam Longson, who many blame for the departure of Clough from the Baseball Ground.

Jim Broadbent
Jim Broadbent will play ex Rams Chairman Sam Longson
Clough's friend and assistant Peter Taylor is played by Timothy Spall and even the old Baseball Ground features, even though it is Chesterfields Saltergate stadium painted green to look like the Baseball ground of the 70's.

£20,000 of the £5m budget for the film has already been spent re-creating the training grounds of Leeds United. The car parks around Elland Road have been turfed just for the filming of this film.

Producer of the film Andy Harries assures everyone that this film is not as dark as the book. Although not a comedy the film will have a light hearted approach to the subject matter, which are the 44 days that Brian Clough was in charge of Leeds United.

The film is due for release next year 2009 and there will be just a few thousand Derby County, Forest and other football supporters who will not take kindly if the Great Brian Clough is shown in a bad light, so take heed Mr Harries and Peace! .....