Watch I Believe In Miracles

I Believe In Miracles is a gripping 2015 sports documentary film that delves into the life of one of the most successful and enigmatic football managers in the history of English football. The movie traces the rise to fame of Brian Clough, a charismatic and flamboyant figure who went from being a second-division player to a maverick manager who led two provincial teams to unprecedented success.

The movie begins by telling us about Clough's early beginnings as a player in the 1950s and his subsequent appointment as the coach of the struggling Derby County team in the late 1960s. We see how Clough, along with his trusted assistant Peter Taylor and the innovative tactics they introduced, transformed the team into a formidable force in the English first division, culminating in Derby County winning the league for the first time in their history in 1972.

The film then moves on to Clough's controversial appointment as the manager of the then-dominant Leeds United team in 1974, and his subsequent sacking just a few weeks later, following a power struggle with the board and players. This episode, which is now part of football folklore, showcases Clough's uncompromising nature and principles that made him a hero to some and a villain to others.

The second half of the movie follows Clough's return to management with their cross-city rival, Nottingham Forrest, and how he led them to unprecedented success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including two consecutive European Cup triumphs. We see how Clough and Taylor's unique coaching style, which focused on teamwork, discipline, and hard work, helped to bring out the best in their players, many of whom were written off as average before joining Forrest.

The film uses a combination of archive footage, interviews with former players, and commentary from football experts to give an insightful account of Clough's life and times. We get a glimpse of his larger-than-life personality, his unconventional ways, and the anecdotes that make him one of the most fascinating and contradictory figures in football history.

In addition to Clough, the movie also explores the lives and contributions of his trusted assistants Peter Taylor and Jimmy Gordon, who were an integral part of his success. We see how Taylor's tactical acumen and ability to spot and develop talent played a crucial role in Clough's teams' success. Similarly, we learn about Gordon's administrative skills and his role in keeping the team morale high during tough times.

The film ends with Clough's retirement from management in 1993, following a successful spell at Forrest. We see how Clough's larger-than-life personality made him a beloved and revered figure in English football history and how his legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers and coaches.

In conclusion, I Believe In Miracles is a must-watch movie for any football fan or anyone interested in learning more about Brian Clough, one of the most successful and controversial football managers of all time. Through its use of archive footage and insightful interviews, the film provides a captivating glimpse into the man who was known as 'the greatest manager England never had.'