EMMA HAYES hopes to channel a bit of Old Big ’Ead at the City Ground today in the League Cup final clash with Arsenal.
The Chelsea boss has hailed Nottingham Forest legend Brian Clough for inspiring her straight-talking approach to management.
Hayes, 43, grew up in Camden and idolised Cloughie .
Her self-employed dad ran various businesses and always took her to Forest games whenever they played in London.
And Hayes wants to pay homage to her childhood hero by wearing a version of his famous green shirt when she leads her team out today.
She said: “The minute we got through to the final I thought ‘Oh God, I’m going to Cloughie’s home!’.
“I’ve been to the City Ground as an assistant coach but to lead my team out there will be a really, really, really nice moment.
“I want to wear a green shirt but my mum said green doesn’t go with blue, so I’ll have to think about that.
“Growing up I always admired Clough’s football and his straight talking. I always think ‘outspoken’ gets misused. I find it refreshing to hear some honesty.
“He was honest in a time where there was probably more honesty than there is now with managers.”
