From humble beginnings in a spare bedroom in West Bridgford, a football podcast in tribute to legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough has been shortlisted for the final of the global Sports Podcast Awards.
The Green Jumper has been selected by a panel of industry experts as one of the top 12 football podcasts in the world. An online public vote is now open to decide the winner.
The pod is hosted by Nottingham Forest season cardholder and best-selling author Marcus Alton, who was the driving force behind the fundraising campaign for the Brian Clough bronze statue, which stands proudly in Nottingham city centre.
“It’s absolutely incredible to be shortlisted for this award alongside some really big names,” said Marcus. “Brian Clough championed the underdog, so it’s all to play for, and I hope we can bring the award to Nottingham.”
This year – the 20th anniversary of Cloughie’s passing – the pod’s live events raised thousands of pounds for the types of good causes he supported. The charity events were compered by event host Neil Kendrick.
The Green Jumper is up against some well-known names who have the benefit of corporate backing. Unlike most of the other finalists, the pod doesn’t have any sponsorship or advertising.
Other finalists include pods featuring the likes of Gary Neville, the BBC’s Mark Chapman, comedian Maisie Adam, and a production from CBS Sports in the United States. There are also pods for Stoke City, Brighton, and Wolves.
Added Marcus: “Whatever happens, the shortlist means The Green Jumper is in the top 12 of football podcasts worldwide. But I hope people who remember Cloughie will take two minutes to vote for The Green Jumper.
“After all, recalling Cloughie’s famous phrase, it might not be the best football podcast in the world, but it’s in the top one.”
Marcus launched the podcast in January 2001 from his spare bedroom. He has interviewed former players, journalists, fans, and friends of Clough. He also spoke to the priest who conducted the memorial service at Pride Park in October 2004.
Since setting up the non-profit tribute website, brianclough.com, in August 2000, with the support of the Clough family, Marcus has written five books about the legendary manager. Mrs Clough wrote the foreword to his first book.
His latest book, Brian Clough: The Lost Tapes, is helping to raise money for Nottinghamshire Hospice and the children’s charity, the NSPCC.
To vote for The Green Jumper in the Best Football Podcast category in the Sports Podcast Awards, please use this link:
https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-football-podcast/
