He’s in that top list’ – Peter Shilton explains where Brian Clough ranks among Guardiola, Ferguson & football’s greatest managers

As the debate over whether Pep Guardiola or Sir Alex Ferguson is football’s greatest manager continues, Nottingham Forest legend Peter Shilton believes Brian Clough deserves to be mentioned alongside the very best the game has ever seen.

The former England goalkeeper, who enjoyed the most successful period of his career under Clough and Peter Taylor at Forest, believes the legendary manager’s achievements would stand the test of time against any coach from the modern era.

Guardiola and Ferguson dominate the GOAT debate

The managerial greatest-of-all-time discussion has intensified again following Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City after a trophy-laden decade that delivered six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown and 20 major honours.

The Spaniard’s remarkable success has inevitably reignited comparisons with Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson, whose incredible 27-year reign at Old Trafford yielded 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.

Alongside Guardiola and Ferguson, names such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti continue to dominate discussions surrounding football’s greatest coaches, with each boasting glittering domestic and European records across multiple leagues.

Yet Shilton believes Clough’s achievements should never be overlooked simply because they came in a different era.

‘Cloughie was certainly in that top list’

Speaking exclusively to GOAL on behalf of Lynx Fine Fragrance and their ‘The Official Makeup’ campaign, Shilton was asked how Clough would compare with modern managerial heavyweights.

“All different for their own reasons,” he said.

“Cloughie was in a different era. He was such a special character.

“People talk about Cloughie, but I still put Peter Taylor with him because Peter brought the other side. Cloughie just had that aura and respect.

“I think all the managers mentioned have been great at different clubs, so it’s very difficult to say, ‘He was the best.’

“He was certainly up there in that top list.”

Clough guided Nottingham Forest to one of football’s greatest success stories, winning the First Division title before remarkably lifting back-to-back European Cups after taking over at the City Ground in 1975.

Peter Taylor was the perfect partner

While Clough often received the headlines, Shilton was quick to stress the importance of Peter Taylor in Forest’s extraordinary rise.

The legendary scout and assistant manager played a crucial role in identifying talent, forming one of football’s greatest managerial partnerships.

Shilton also believes traditional scouting remains just as valuable today despite the rise of data analysis and advanced recruitment technology.

Recruitment is still about judgment

Asked whether modern football has lost the art of identifying talent through observation rather than statistics, Shilton pointed to several Premier League clubs as proof that elite scouting still exists.

“No, I don’t think so,” he said.

“I think clubs like Brighton and Bournemouth have got great recruitment.

“They rely on picking players from smaller divisions, bringing them into the team, letting them have a great season and then selling them for four times as much. It is about judgment of players.”

Shilton then recalled the story of how Taylor first identified his potential long before he became England’s record appearance holder.

“I always remember Peter Taylor telling me that when I was 15 and playing in the youth team, he was always there on Saturday mornings with his cap on.

“He said, ‘You didn’t know I was there, but I was always watching you. I always knew you were going to play for one of my clubs.’

“I thought that was terrific. He was such a good judge of players in so many areas.”

Modern managers chase World Cup glory

Many of football’s leading coaches are currently attempting to add another major honour to their resumes at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

But for Shilton, regardless of what today’s elite achieve, Brian Clough’s place among football’s managerial greats remains firmly secure.