Cricket legend Boycott welcome’s Clough statue’s return

The former England cricket captain was taken to see the statue during a visit to Middlesbrough in late April while working in the area with broadcaster and media consultant Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough.

Shocked by its condition, Boycott publicly voiced his concerns, attracting widespread support from football fans across Teesside and beyond.

April 2026 as Sir Geoffrey Boycott visits the Brian Clough statue in Albert Park, Middlesbrough (Image: Supplied by Goffy Media)

Within days, council workers arrived to dismantle the statue and begin restoration work.

Speaking after seeing the restored monument, Sir Geoffrey said: “I’m delighted to see Brian’s statue back and looking so much better.

“When I raised concerns earlier this year, it was simply because Brian was a great friend and I felt somebody of his standing deserved better.

Brain Clough’s statue pictured on its return to Albert Park after major restoration (Image: Supplied by Goffy Media)

“The response from the public was tremendous and it’s pleasing to see that concerns were listened to and acted upon so quickly.”

“His goalscoring record for Boro and Sunderland is on another level – the fans adored him.

“It made no sense to me to see his hometown legacy was being so unloved.”

Brian Clough and Sir Geoffrey Boycott (Image: Supplied by Goffy Media)

Boycott, who remained close to Clough throughout his life and spoke at the legend’s family funeral, said the restoration would have meant a great deal to the football icon’s family.

“His lovely late wife Barbara would have been heartbroken to see the statue in the sorry state it had fallen into.

“She was immensely proud of Brian and everything he achieved.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough alongside the Wilf Mannion statue – Sir Geoffrey has suggested Brian would be better placed outside of the ground. (Image: Supplied by Goffy Media)

“Most importantly, it will be a source of comfort to Brian’s sons Nigel and Simon, and his daughter Elizabeth, to see the statue restored and cared for properly.”

The Yorkshire cricket legend also believes Clough’s legacy deserves even greater recognition.

“I’ve always felt the statue might have been better placed outside the Riverside Stadium alongside Middlesbrough greats such as George Hardwick and Wilf Mannion.

“Brian is certainly worthy of that honour.

“I was over at the ground recently and they all look very comfortable there.

“People sometimes forget it all began just down the road at Hartlepool in 1965.

“From those first steps in management, Brian went on to become one of the greatest football managers the game has ever known.

“I can only hope lessons have been learnt.

“The important thing now is that the statue has been restored, protected and can continue inspiring future generations.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke this week confirmed the statue had returned to Albert Park following restoration work, describing it as “a true homage to one of our region’s legendary sporting icons.”

The statue returned to the park on Thursday, July 22, with a team of council workers getting it back to pristine condition in the coming days – eventually without fencing.

Sir Geoffrey is back in the North East with ‘An Evening With Sir Geoffrey Boycott’ taking place at Cullercoats Crescent Club, North Shields, on Friday, October 9th, 2026.

Tickets and information are here: TicketsSource link