THEATRE PREVIEW: The Damned Utd at The Civic, Barnsley

BRIAN Clough remains one of English football’s top goal-scorers, not to mention his success at the helm of several cup-winning clubs.

But it was 44 days in 1974 — when “the greatest manager England never had” was at Leeds United — which prompted a controversial biography.

The Damned Utd was the largely-fictionalised account of Clough’s short time managing Leeds.

Written by David Peace and published in 2006, it spawned a 2009 film (and a 2008 High Court case).

The tale will be told on stage at Jump Club this Sunday, as part of Barnsley’s The Civic On Tour season.

The enfant terrible of British football is trying to redeem his managerial reputation, after eight months at third division Brighton and Hove Albion.

He’s gunning for the European Cup, steering the team he has openly despised for years — the team he hates and which hates him.

The Damned United takes a trip inside the tortured mind of a soccer genius slamming up against his limits, exposing the beauty and brutality of football — the working man’s ballet.

Tickets cost just £4 each and are on sale now — call 01226 327000 or see www.barnsleycivic.co.uk for more information and to buy.

The show is recommended for children aged 16 and over.