Brian Clough statue boots only part remaining in Boro park

All that remains now in Albert Park, Middlesbrough, are the original plinth and the boots of the former Boro goalscoring hero.

Work to remove the statue began on Tuesday, May 19, just weeks after Sir Geoffrey Boycott, a close friend of Clough, publicly criticised the condition of the structure during a visit to Middlesbrough.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott at the scene in Albert Park to witness the most recent condition of the statue (Image: Goffy Media)

Sir Geoffrey said: “Cloughie deserves better than this. Brian Clough’s legacy is way better than that.”

His remarks followed his discovery of the statue behind fencing and covered in protective mesh, which he described as deeply upsetting.

The comments reignited public debate across Teesside and further afield, with figures such as Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and former Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston voicing their support.

Brian Clough’s statue seen being dismantled in Albert Park on Tuesday (May 19th 2026) (Image: Goffy Media)

The outcry also reached Nottingham, where Clough is immortalised by a statue near Old Market Square—unveiled in 2008 by his widow Barbara.

On Tuesday, council contractors arrived to carry out the removal in what marks the first major physical step in resolving the controversy.

Sir Geoffrey said: “I hope to see a clear timeline to get my old friend looking his finest.

The statue in Albert Park, Middlesbrough during the early days just after being unveiled in 2017 (Image: Goffy Media)

“The public reaction tells you just how much Brian Clough still means to people in Middlesbrough and far beyond.”

Attention will now turn to what happens next and whether plans will be announced regarding the statue’s restoration and future location.

With only the plinth and Clough’s boots remaining in Albert Park, communities in Middlesbrough and beyond await updates on how the tribute will be reinstated.

Meanwhile, Sir Geoffrey is set to return to Teesside for his ‘An Evening With Sir Geoffrey Boycott’ event at The Hub at Teesside University on June 19.

The show will feature stories from his cricket career and reflections on sporting legends, including Clough.

Sir Geoffrey said: “It will be interesting to see the progress of Cloughie’s Middlesbrough statue when I revisit the town for my show in June.”