An award-winning podcast in tribute to legendary football manager Brian Clough has celebrated the release of its 100th episode.
The Green Jumper pod, hosted by Nottingham-based former journalist Marcus Alton, features stories and memories of the charismatic Clough, who died in 2004.
Episode 100 includes the personal story of how a young, trainee journalist secured an interview with Brian Clough at the height of his success at Nottingham Forest. More than 45 years later, Alicia Rudzka still rates that meeting as a major highlight of her career.
“I was invited into his office and I still feel unbelievably lucky to have interviewed him,” recalls Alicia. “He was wearing his green jumper. I couldn’t believe I was sitting with the great man, one of my all-time heroes. He answered all my questions.”
The Green Jumper pod has received national and international recognition during the past year, with judges praising the way it is still uncovering new stories about Clough.
The pod was ‘Highly Commended’ at the UK Independent Podcast Awards, which recognise shows that are free from corporate ties and include productions from solo creators. Marcus produces and presents the Green Jumper in a spare room at home.
Earlier in the year, the podcast was named as one of the best football pods in the world, in the Sports Podcast Awards. In January, Marcus was invited onto TV and radio programmes to talk about the 50th anniversary of Brian Clough’s arrival at Nottingham Forest.
With listeners in over 90 countries, the Green Jumper features a range of guests, including former players, fans, friends and journalists. A recent guest, former Nottingham Forest winger Franz Carr, praised Marcus for the depth of his research, describing it as ‘incredible.’
Said Marcus: “When I launched the Green Jumper five years ago, it never crossed my mind that it would reach 100 episodes and have such a fantastic global audience. But it’s been a real labour of love, with some brilliant guests and thousands of downloads.”
Marcus runs the non-profit tribute website, brianclough.com, with the support of Clough’s family, and has written five books about Cloughie, including one which featured a foreword by Mrs Clough. He has also spoken at several book festivals and held live pod events, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.
The podcast is available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and Spotify (search for Green Jumper). It is also hosted on the tribute website, www.brianclough.com.
