The Fiver | Grabbing the attention of a slightly jaded soccer star

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In the summer of 1968, Tottenham midfielder Dave Mackay agreed to become player-manager of his beloved boyhood team Hearts. Upon hearing the news on the grapevine, Derby boss Brian Clough drove down to London to see if he could step in and strike a deal for the Scottish living legend before any contract was signed. Mackay took some convincing – Clough had to make several trips, always in his chairman’s white Rolls-Royce in the hope of impressing the player – but eventually the player agreed to drop down a division and sign for the Rams. Clever Cloughie! Persistent Cloughie! Pints of Bell’s all round!

Related: Derby confirm Wayne Rooney to join as player-coach in January

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