Insider Sport’s Matchday Programme offers a personal look at what sporting moments and figures have inspired industry stakeholders. Through candid reflections, the programme delves into the stories behind the inspirations that have shaped their perspectives and fuelled their passion for sports.
In this edition, Harry Croft, CEO and Co-Founder of DEFY, a talent management agency representing elite athletes, reflects on Brian Clough’s exceptional leadership. Croft admires Clough’s ability to manage diverse personalities and achieve success at both Derby County and Nottingham Forest, earning respect from rival fans and cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest managers.
Which athlete do you think demonstrated the best winning mentality throughout their career?
Tiger Woods stands out for his relentless mental toughness and focus throughout his career. He has had several comebacks after major injuries and personal struggles, demonstrating an unwavering will to win, especially in high-pressure situations like the 2019 Masters win, where many thought his career was over. His ability to perform on the biggest stages and his laser-like focus has made him an icon in golf.
Working with many up-and-coming golfers, we see first-hand the inspiration that he has been to the next generation, and his desire to win is something everyone seems drawn to.
Who was your childhood sports hero and why? Which of their sporting achievements had the biggest impact on you?
Zinedine Zidane – I admired his calm demeanour, creativity and leadership on the field. Zidane wasn’t the most physically imposing player, but his intelligence and elegance with the ball were unmatched. His performance in the 1998 World Cup final, scoring two goals, was a masterclass in skill and composure under pressure. Zidane has also backed up his playing career with incredible success in management, becoming the first manager to win three Champions Leagues in a row.
What sports team do you follow the closest? Is this a family team or local side etc., and what has been the biggest moment in your history of supporting this club?
Derby County is my team. They are my local club, and I’ve always been a supporter and had a personal investment with family ties to the club. I think these things combined always make the success sweeter, but also the failures a bit harder to take!
The biggest moment for me was the 2019 Play-Off semi-final second leg against Leeds, where we came back from 2-0 down to win 4-3 and secure a spot at Wembley – unbelievable scenes and unforgettable memories.
Is there a team manager from any sport who you think demonstrated the best leadership qualities?
I think I’d have to say, Sir Alex Ferguson. The epitome of great leadership in football. His ability to inspire, manage egos, and maintain success over decades at Manchester United was unparalleled. His leadership extended beyond tactics; it was about fostering a winning culture, knowing when to refresh his squad, and maintaining consistency at the highest level.
What sports tournament do you think consistently provides the biggest thrills? Which moment from this league stood out to you the most in recent memory?
For me, the FIFA World Cup has to be the most thrilling tournament. The build-up, the unpredictability, the national pride and ultimately the breadth of teams competing. The 2014 World Cup, specifically the Brazil vs. Germany semi-final, stands out for me. When Germany won 7-1, was just shocking, and the emotional impact of it was enormous for both the teams and the fans worldwide. The drama, intensity, and global attention make it unmatched.
If you could travel back in time to any historic sporting moment to watch it then and now, which would it be and why?
Representing athletes means that we are privileged to watch sport at the highest level, and we consistently see that nothing brings people together like sport, for that reason, I’d have to say England winning the World Cup in 1966 – It’s been so long since we have lifted an international trophy.
We’ve come close in recent tournaments, but to go and win it, I can only imagine the scenes on that day and the buzz around the whole country that summer.
If you could go out for dinner with any sporting figure, current or historical, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?
I would go out for dinner with Brian Clough – his character was unique, and he was probably ahead of his time in the way he approached the game, both on and off the pitch.
What he achieved at both Derby County and Nottingham Forest was nothing short of remarkable. A born winner and I’d want to learn how he managed different personalities, motivated different teams and characters to perform to their optimum, how he made such an instant impact and also transitioned so well from the two clubs and achieved success at both which is certainly not easy. He is revered by both sets of fans which speaks volumes given the intense rivalry.
To read the last edition of the Matchday Programme, Ben Leanse, Premium Services Executive at Brentford FC, shared his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo’s unmatched winning mentality, click HERE.
