AliousThe name Clough has become synonymous with success at Nottingham Forest, thanks to the legendary contributions of Brian and Nigel Clough. Both father and son cemented their status as icons at the City Ground, leaving behind an indelible legacy.
But there’s another Clough who crossed paths with Nottingham Forest—one who failed to live up to the name’s illustrious reputation. Zach Clough, unrelated to either Brian or Nigel, joined Forest from Bolton Wanderers in January 2017. The young attacking midfielder had been a standout performer at Bolton, catching the attention of multiple clubs with his talent. Forest, a club where the Clough surname carries immense weight, secured his services for a reported fee of £3 million. However, this move turned out to be a disaster.
### **Bolton Beginnings: A Star in the Making**
Born in Denton, Zach Clough joined Bolton Wanderers’ academy in 2003 at the age of eight. He worked his way up through the ranks, signing his first professional contract in 2013. Though it took nearly two years for him to make his senior debut, Clough made an instant impact when he did. In January 2015, he scored the winning goal against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup third round, instantly endearing himself to the Bolton fans.
His early promise was undeniable. During the second half of the 2014-15 season, Clough netted five goals in just eight games. Over the next two seasons, he developed into a key player for Bolton, scoring 16 league goals in 51 appearances. At just 21 years old, Clough was one of the most exciting young prospects in the EFL, attracting interest from higher-division clubs.
When Nottingham Forest came calling in January 2017, it seemed like a perfect fit. Clough’s impressive performances at Bolton suggested he could thrive in a more competitive environment, and Forest was eager to reinvigorate their squad with young talent.
### **A False Dawn at Nottingham Forest**
Zach Clough’s move to Nottingham Forest was seen as a significant opportunity for both the player and the club. Although he wasn’t related to Brian or Nigel, many saw his arrival as a chance to add a new chapter to the Clough legacy at Forest. Unfortunately, the reality fell far short of expectations.
Clough’s career at Forest started with some promise, but it quickly unraveled. Despite a high transfer fee and high hopes, the midfielder failed to make a lasting impact. In the 2017-18 season, he didn’t register a single goal and saw his playing time dwindle. By January 2018, he was loaned back to Bolton Wanderers, where he hoped to regain form and confidence.
Even after his return to Forest, Clough remained on the fringes of the squad. Loan spells at Rochdale and other clubs followed, but his career never regained the momentum it had at Bolton. Over five seasons with Forest, Clough made just 27 league appearances, going three consecutive seasons without a single first-team appearance. In 2021, his contract was mutually terminated, bringing an end to a deeply disappointing chapter.
### **Why Did Clough’s Career Stall?**
When reflecting on his time at Nottingham Forest, Clough attributed much of his struggles to financial factors, rather than footballing issues. Speaking to NottinghamshireLive, he said, “It was nothing to do with football, it was probably more finances.”
Regardless of the reasons, Bolton Wanderers were left to rue the unfulfilled potential of a player who once looked destined for great things. Zach Clough, once hailed as one of the EFL’s brightest talents, ultimately became a cautionary tale of a career that never fully took off. His story serves as a reminder of how quickly football’s highs can turn into lows, even for the most promising young stars.
Alious
