Clough quickly signed Scottish duo John McGovern and John O'Hare from Leeds United. Both players had been part of Clough's 1971–72 Football League-winning side at Derby County and had also been signed by him during his brief reign at Leeds. Forest signed Frank Clark in July of that close season on a free transfer. In Clough's first full season in charge Forest finished eighth in the Second Division. It was in this season McGovern became long standing club captain taking over from a game in which Bob 'Sammy' Chapman and Liam O'Kane were both injured.