Alchemy reveals the bittersweet reality of Brian Clough and Peter Taylors first management job together. The lower-league Hartlepools United are penniless, with a meddling chairman, a ramshackle ground and want-away players. Yet the management pair tackle every challenge head-on, forging a winning blueprint that later transforms unfashionable Derby County and Nottingham Forest into League and European Cup champions.

Exploiting a wealth of archive newspapers, plus interviews with those present at the creation, Alchemy exposes the humble origins of Clough & Taylors meteoric rise to the top of the football tree.

Alchemy Reviews

'In my early years as a BBC commentator, I regularly crossed paths with Brian Clough and Peter Taylor in their halcyon days in charge of Derby County and Nottingham Forest. But it was only upon reading Alchemy and its account of their time at Hartlepools United that I realised how their philosophy and initial success were shaped by their two eventful years in the basement of the Football League. What a place to start!'

-- John Motson

Hull gives a comprehensive account of Clough and Taylors time in charge and it makes for riveting reading. It was clear that Clough had maximum belief in what he and his trusted right-hand man could go on to achieve, even in those days down near the bottom of the football ladder Hull has done their maiden journey justice.

* Late Tackle Magazine *

'A fascinating, very readable and highly recommended account of a chapter of the Brian Clough story that is sometimes ignored because of glories further down the line.'

-- Phil McNulty

About Christopher Hull

Despite being born and raised in London, Christopher Hull has been following Hartlepool United since 1978. He is the author of Our Man Down in Havana (Pegasus, 2019), which William Boyd described as 'A revelation and a delight.'

Additional information

Sku

NGR9781803996905

ISBN 13

9781803996905

ISBN 10

1803996900

Title

Alchemy: Brian Clough & Peter Taylor at Hartlepools United by Christopher Hull

Author

Christopher Hull

Condition

New

Binding type

Paperback

Publisher

The History Press Ltd

Year published

2024-08-15

Prizes

N/A

Cover note

Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.

Note

This is a new book - be the first to read this copy. With untouched pages and a perfect binding, your brand new copy is ready to be opened for the first time