COUNCIL bosses searching for a new chief executive say they have found the right man for the job – thanks to soccer legend Brian Clough.

Bob Jackson was playing in the reserves at Nottingham Forest when the famously outspoken manager told him he was “too intelligent” to be a footballer.

Mr Jackson entered local government instead and is about to take charge at New Forest District Council, where he has worked for seven years.

He has been chosen to succeed the current chief executive, Dave Yates, 62, who is retiring next month after 40 years in local government.

Council leader Barry Rickman said: “I am delighted that after a rigorous recruitment process we have been able to appoint the right person for the job from among our own staff.

“Bob Jackson really understands how the council and the New Forest works.”

Married with three children, he joined the authority in 2008 as executive director with responsibility for the authority’s finances.

Daily Echo:

David Yates, left, and Bob Jackson

A council spokesman said: “He has steered the council through recent years of public sector cuts, saving £2.9million of expenditure while maintaining essential services and not increasing council tax.

"He’s well aware of the challenges to come for the public sector and recognises the need to manage in the future with fewer resources.

“His professional life may have taken a rather different turn were it not for some early advice from Brian Clough.

“Serving time in reserve teams the young Bob Jackson was told by Mr Clough that he was too intelligent to be a footballer.”

But Mr Jackson admitted: “The truth is I wasn’t good enough.”

Commenting on his new appointment he added: “I am honoured and pleased to be given the chance to lead the council.

“I am looking forward to working with Cabinet and council members to ensure we seize future opportunities to help the people of the New Forest prosper.”

The Tory-controlled authority is the largest rural district council in the country and has an annual budget of more than £90 million.