Clough knew what he was talking about

I HAVE watched as much rugby as possible in the last 25 years having played football under Brian Clough’s reign at Derby County.

One of Brian’s simple coaching tactics: “The easiest thing you do is give the ball away. The hardest thing is getting the bloody thing back again.”

This maxim must equally apply to rugby, perhaps even more so.

I’m sick to death of watching England endlessly kick the ball and consequently giving it away, even when they’re on the attack in the opposition’s half. I agree when defending in your own 22 but not on the halfway line and beyond.

For goodness sake – keep possession! You may even end up scoring some tries! And I would ban the boxkick from the outset!

Colin Boulton

Editor’s note: Colin was ever-present goalkeeper in Derby’s two title winning teams in 1972 and 1975