Brian Clough family snub film premiere

A new film about Brian Clough, which depicts the legendary football manager as a foul-mouthed boozer, has incensed his widow and family. And to show their displeasure, they have collectively decided to boycott the movie, The Damned United, which stars Michael Sheen and tracks Clough’s ill-fated 44 days as manager of Leeds United, when it is premiered later this month.

The family's objections are largely over the 2006 book on which the film is based, The Damned Utd by David Peace. When it was published it was rapturously received by critics and became a word-of-mouth hit, but the family heavily criticised its portrayal of Clough. They particularly objected to the idea that he peppered his speech with swear words and was portrayed as "chain-smoking, obscenity-shouting and selfishly driven".

Although the film’s director Tom Hooper has tried to assure them that the movie does not follow the book to the letter, Clough's widow Barbara, daughter Elizabeth and sons Simon and Nigel - who is now manager at Derby County - remain steadfast.

Don Shaw, a TV producer and friend, said: "They absolutely loathe the idea. Nigel tried to read The Damned Utd but gave up because he was so shocked by it. Barbara read one page before she had to stop. They were horrified by the book and won't be seeing the film." However, it should be noted that Shaw has his own book, Clough's War, coming out in May.

The producer of The Damned Utd, Andy Harries, says that while the book is an intense psychological study, the film is a more light-hearted affair. He said: "It's a shame Mrs Clough doesn't want to see the film and it's particular shame that the children haven't responded to our overtures."

He added that he was more bemused by the family’s attitude than upset, claiming that the director had taken a conscious decision to lighten the book's tone. "We didn't dwell on his alcoholism or his decline. That wasn't the story we wanted to tell. In quite tough times, we wanted to make a film with an upbeat ending - you come out of the cinema thinking it was an enjoyable experience and that Clough was a good guy. ·