With thanks to the author, publishers HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

This was a very enjoyable read, offering a fascinating “behind the scenes” view of the real personality of “Old Big ‘ead” himself.

At it’s core, this is a tale of human kindness, and no knowledge of football is required to enjoy it, however those with an interest in English football in the 80s will no doubt enjoy the different stories of characters from that time.

Craig’s story is at various times heartbreaking, preposterous, and laugh-out-loud funny. While his home life and that of his brother are undoubtedly tough, his unlikely relationship with Brian Clough offers him an “out”, and an inside experience of the world of professional soccer that just about every other boy his age has probably dreamt about.

That being said, what Brian and his family did for Craig and his brother extends far beyond the world of soccer, and showed a softer side to Brian that few outside of that circle were probably aware of.

I love Brian Clough, he was the Forest manager when I was growing up. I might romanticise my childhood memories but he was one of the best things to happen to the club.

There are many books out there about this great man, including his own which I read many years ago but Be Good, Love Brian shows a different side to Old Big ‘Ead. This gives an insight to the man he was at home, at the City Ground, out walking his dog by someone who he welcomed into his home after a chance meeting.

Bromfield’s depiction of Clough rubber stamped that persona shown to the media but he also showed a softer side. The more charitable fatherly side. I’ll admit I was disappointed as Bromfield’s loyalties when tested landed with his friends rather than with the man who changed his life.

There were two points in the book that really got to me. Chapter 16 entitled The Longest Day – I saw the date ‘15 April 1989’ and knew instinctively it wouldn’t be a easy chapter to read. Blomfield’s account is one of disbelief and bewilderment as the events unfolded. Then I felt very emotional as the book came to a close. As Clough left the club he loved, as Blomfield’s misdemeanours came to light, as Clough left this world.

Everyone has an opinion of Brian Clough and Blomfield saw him warts and all. This is an fascinating personal insight to the outspoken man of the 80s and 90s from a close party. From someone who lived with him and the family for a number of years. A man who saw all sides of a football icon. This book isn’t just about football. It’s about a chance to change your life.

'Hello Mr. Clough, can you tell me if Kenny Swain is up yet?' A lovely story about how two poverty stricken boys in Sunderland had a chance meeting with a Nottingham Forest player, that changed the course of their lives. Taken under the wing of Brian Clough and his family, they were shown a life that fantasies are made of...Read it!

Be good, love Brian by Craig Blomfield

Wow, how did I know nothing about this when it was very much in my 'era' of football following?!

An incredible story in every sense of the word. SUCH a sad tale, but thankfully one that portrays the Clough family in such a good light.

I found it amazing that Craig Blomfield remembered everything in amazing detail.
I equally found it extraordinary that Brian Clough and his family did so much for the lads.

I can only recommend that any fan of footy, especially those who are 40+ years old read this. I know that I am reviewing the book, but even now, several days after finishing it, feel that I am almost lost for words....

This is a fantastic read, I found it to be very well written and a very personal and open account of Craig's Bromfield's incredible story.

The tale itself is a fascinating one, his rough upbringing to a chance encounter that opens up a life so many young kids would dream of, but it's also just as much a story about simple human kindness given what the Clough family do for Craig.

One of my favourite football books is Provided You Don't Kiss Me by Duncan Hamilton, and this could almost pass for a companion piece in that it explores the different sides to Brian Clough and how he could take a personal interest in people.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy, glad I can give an honest opinion on this one that it's a great read!

Absolutely brilliant book, loved it. Craig makes you feel as if you are there whilst his life with Brian evolves. Heartbreaking at times but with humour as well. Best book I have read in a long time.

What a lovely book this was to read. It certainly showed a different side to the Brian Clough that you saw in the media. Just a pity that Craig didn't take full advantage of the escape route he got offered out of the life they grew up in.