The club was a perennial struggler and had repeatedly had to apply for re-election to the Football League, having finished in the bottom two of the Fourth Division five times in the past six seasons.

After sacking Geoff Twentyman, the Board appointed the 30-year-old Brian Clough[1] in October 1965 to his first managerial role.

[2] He accepted the job and immediately asked former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Peter Taylor (then managing non-League Burton Albion) to join him as his assistant.

[3] Teenage midfielder John McGovern joined the club after Taylor scouted him at Central Park.

[4] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.