227 Clough the Second? Part 1 (1/2)

Chapter 227: Clough the Second? Part 1

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

This was Tang En's second time going to a funeral since his arrival in England. However, compared to the first, he did not feel sorrowful. A person like Boss invoked complex feelings in him. Fondness, respect, and some displeasure, all mixed together. So Tang En couldn't be like Clough's family, who all had tears running down their faces.

It was a private funeral. Very, very private. Other than Clough's family, Tang En was the sole outsider. He wore a black suit with dark sunglasses and stood with his head bowed behind the rest, attending the funeral in silence.

Other than comforting Madam Barbara, who did not actually seem in need of comforting, but for a few words at the beginning, Tang En did not say a word throughout the funeral. And the ceremonial process made no arrangements for him to speak.

The others—Ian Bowyer, Des Walker, Stuart Pearce, Martin O'Neill, Trevor Francis—none of them received an invite. The only one invited was Tang En, who had gotten to know him the latest. Tang En wondered if it was Clough's idea to ask him to attend such a private event.

After the funeral ended, the group silently walked out of the graveyard located behind the church. Tang En did not know what to say, and kept silent. Not far ahead was where everyone's cars were. It seemed that the funeral had come to its end. Tang En figured he should also hurry back to Nottingham to meet up with his team. Then Madam Barbara, who was ahead, stopped and turned to face him.

Tang En knew she must have something to say, and paused in his stride.

”I'm very sorry, Mr. Twain, to ask you to come at this time.” Barbara said with her head bowed.

Tang En quickly waved his hands. ”No, I'm glad I came. I'm honoured to have been invited.”

”In truth… Brian didn't say who could attend his funeral. In the last few days, he was hardly ever conscious. After discussing it with my children, we decided on a private funeral. Brian never liked the media, even up till now, so we didn't want to be disturbed by strangers. And you, Mr. Twain… Did you know about Brian accepting an interview after Arsenal fought Forest to a draw?”

Tang En nodded.

After the draw between Forest and Arsenal, Arsenal had set a new record for the highest number of matches with no losses. The media wanted to interview Brian Clough because of this, in hopes of hearing his opinion about the new record. He fulfilled their hopes well, praising Arsenal's football as as beautiful as the Marilyn Monroe he saw in his dreams. ”If there was anyone who could break that record, it would be Wenger's Arsenal.”

Later, he had also spoken about Chelsea's new manager, José Mourinho. He had considered the Portuguese man to be his successor. Whether it was the handsomeness of his youth or the style of his leadership, Mourinho was very similar to him. During his time as a coach, Clough was someone who could always attract the attention of the media with bold declarations of his opinions, his arrogance, and his tendency to say quotable things. José Mourinho had all those traits as well.

Thus, the media began calling José Mourinho ”Clough the Second,” ignoring the previous comparison that they had made between Tony Twain and Clough.

During the interview, Clough made no mention of Tony Twain at all.

Who is my favourite manager? Of course, it's Wenger. He's my idol.

Which manager is most like me? It has to be José Mourinho; he's as handsome as I was when I was young.

”But when he was at home, do you know who he talked about the most?”

Tang En shook his head.

”You, Mr. Twain.” Madam Barbara pointed at him. ”He was always talking about this Forest team of yours. When you defeated Man City, he was in front of the television acting as excited as a young man… Can you imagine, Mr. Twain, what it looked like for an old man like him to be jumping up and down the sofa with his arms up?”

Tang En continued shaking his head. It was indeed unimaginable. When they were playing Man City, Clough's health had already been not too good.

Madam Barbara smiled but for an instant. ”He would always talk about you, so my children and I feel as though we've known you for a long time.”