Derby County

This Derby side marked Clough’s arrival as a managerial force. Their success made the club a top-flight name and began the Clough & Taylor mythos. First Division champions (1971–72), European Cup semi-finalists, plus a deep FA Cup run and consistent top-tier performance over these seasons. Their rise from obscurity under Clough captivated fans. Derby became symbolic of how personality and tactical brilliance could shake up the establishment. Winning the title by a single point while Clough and Taylor were in Mallorca, beating Benfica, and regularly rattling the big clubs — pure theatre. From Clough’s confrontations with authority to Derby’s fearless, attacking football, this era was bold, brilliant, and unforgettable.