Well, where can I begin? When me, Paul & Mark sat brainstorming, having multiple conversations this time last year, Ideas being written down on scraps of paper...
This time last year what was a pipe dream, soon started to become realistic, meetings with Anthony Spencer, Steve Fox & Billy Hammond running long into most evenings hashing out details, Ideas and responsibilities. Our priority was to ensure our current U16’s at Nottingham FC had every opportunity to participate and play a big role in the three-year process at Clifton. After having many more countless conversations with Spen & Bill, we were then given the green light to go ahead with the team which was to compete in the Leicestershire Floodlit League with some high-quality clubs within the division.

I would first like to thank Steve Fox who oversees Pro Direct Nottingham, he has worked closely with us throughout the season and provided us with a very talented bunch of 17/18 year old lads which many of them have stuck with the process and have consistently ensured they have met the standards required from the management team. Steve is a very good coach who has clearly worked hard with the group. A massive number of the squad at the beginning of the campaign were solely PDA players so as a management team, we appreciate Steve working with us.

I would like to now say a huge thank you to Billy Hammond who has put a lot of trust in me personally to manage an u18 team within the club. Myself & Billy have spoke so many times over the past 9 months in regards to the team, the lads developing into the first team and just how far this group can go. Billy is truly one of a kind and has given up so much of his time and personal resources to coach and work with the group over the course of the season. We as a management team really do appreciate the opportunity to represent Clifton FC in a difficult league which has put the lads through many different tests along the way.

I of course would also like to say a big thank you to Spen who I have worked with and played under for a large amount of my life. Spen has stuck with me personally no matter the circumstance and has been an instrumental factor for this team to exist. Similar to Billy, I have had thousands of conversations, debates, arguments with Spen over the past 9 months but he has always ensured we as a management team have remained level-headed in terms of making the right choices at the right time.

Moving on to someone who has become almost as it seems a part of the team and has single handedly ensured that all of the lads success has been captured (photos) or shared on social media platforms. Chet has helped us enormously with a variety of unseen and thankless tasks which consist of opening the club, making sure everything is ready for us on matchday (in his own time). We simply cannot thank Chet enough, what a guy!
Also, a huge thanks to Spud, Jane, Tony, Wigs and Richard who have also supported us throughout in different ways.

To finish off with the thankyou’s, we would like to say a big thankyou to MUTED who have sponsored the team since November and have provided us with a really nice training kit which the lads love.

Back in June 2023, we hosted three trial days which was hugely successful and meant we had more than enough talent to choose from and nail down a squad to go into preseason with. Our preseason journey begun vs Beaumont Park who were champions of the Southern Division from the 2023/24 seasons. We narrowly lost 3-4 but it was a huge eye opener for us as ex professional footballer was the gaffer of Beaumont, Clinton Morrison.

We reinforced to the group that we would have to work hard and stick together to ensure we maintain the standards that were clearly set out to the group from the get-go. We organized enough fixtures in preseason to give us enough time to prepare for our opening league game. We then travelled to Stafford Rangers for our second preseason fixture to which we won convincingly, 1-6. All goals came from the Notts FC lads showing early signs that they were more than capable of competing. We then had a further three friendly fixtures vs Notts County, Gresley Rovers and Aylestone Park where we only conceded one goal out of those three games. That showed us as a management team early signs of huge character, determination and most importantly, winning mentalities. Winning 1-0, 1-0 and 1-5.

We began the season with a squad of 24 players who were all committed to the process and understood the end goal which was to finish as champions in our first season. I am sometimes very harsh and come across very passionate, but the group understand that it’s for the right reasons. I have had a lot of difficult conversations with near on all of the lads, but we have managed to keep a squad of 24 right up until May 2024. The recruitment needed to be right and I feel it has been with us adding some exceptional footballers along the way with the likes of Darragh, Isaac, Jack, Dameer, Han & Lewis.

In our opening game, we hosted Mountsorrel Jnrs at Clifton to which we found ourselves 0-1 down after 13 seconds of the game starting and suddenly, you’re thinking... wow! If I’m honest, Mountsorrel were one of the best sides we have come up against and took us all the way with us winning 3-2 with Nayte scoring from a corner in the dying stages of the game. Which is something that became a habit, scoring late on. It was a really important goal for the season as it set us off nicely, earning three points on game week 1. A week later, we travelled to Leicestershire for the first time in the league to play Quorn in which we dominated from start to finish, winning 0-5. Some of the football on display on that night was so pleasing to see and it meant we won our first away game of the campaign, goals coming from Josh Wynn, Kesharn x2, Davarn and Tyrell. In our third league game of the season, we made our furthest journey to Bedworth Utd who actually turned out to be one of the whipping boys within the division. Bedworth to their credit were good on the night and again took us all the way with us narrowly winning 0-1 through a superb goal from Rohan. The game changed in the early stages of the first half with us being down to 10 men. But we continued our winning ways with another clean sheet.

We then travelled to Barrow Town in what was a very strange game of football, we controlled the first half, going 0-2 up with goals from Orlando and Dior. Barrow responded well and pegged us back to 2-2 in controversial circumstances. Again, something that became apparent especially going away from home. But, the resilience, the personalities, the desire to win the game was on full display with Davarn scoring in the final minute of the game, 2-3. SCENES. That was now four wins from four. After beginning the season so well, our attention then turned to Anstey Nomads in the cup who also began their season very well. The management team changed the dynamics ever so slightly for the game to try and utilise the squad. Davarn scored an early penalty, but Anstey were a good side and again we were down to 10 men but this time for 70 minutes of the game. We had to adapt at half time, and we were the better side in the second half even with 10 men with Leo scoring an absolute worldie but Anstey capitalized on the extra man and took the game right through to a penalty shootout. We lost 10-9 in the end and the celebrations from Anstey were a huge test for the group to take. A huge pill for us to swallow as we all sat and listened to their celebrations.

Going back to league action, we then faced Graham St Prims at home who again were an extremely young side who tried to play football. We extended our lead at the top with a 1-0 win through a goal from Kye. The lads then faced a run of six games in a row away from home with the first one being at Gresley Rovers. We were fantastic from start to finish, being 0-3 up at the break with goals from Joseph x2 and Kenzie. Gresley worked hard and piled pressure on us in the second period, but we defended so well, soaked up all of the pressure and scored in the 90th minute after Kye pounced on a mistake to complete what was a proper team performance, 0-4. Going into our 7th league game at Holwell Sports, we had to deal with suspensions and injuries early on which meant the management team could again use the squad. Holwell, who was similar to GSP in the way they tried to play also pushed us all the way. We won the game 1-2 with goals from Leo and Joseph. Three very important points that proved to be putting us on 21 points.

We found ourselves not having a game for a while due to the weather and then came up against Ingles mid-December. If I am really honest, this game was probably the worst game of football I have ever been involved in. Both teams were poor and we ultimately paid for it, losing 2-0 with emotions running high at the end in the changing rooms. I was looking for a reaction from the team after what was our first defeat in the league. Going into the Christmas break, we sat down in the club with Billy and Spen, we had a mid-season review and an open and honest chat with the group. The target was still the same and it was to ensure we continued our impressive start to the season. This period was when a couple of the lads began to train and been in and around the first team.

After Christmas, we travelled to Coalville Town who more than matched us in the opening 45 minutes with us going into the interval at 1-1. I was very honest with the team at half time and some harsh words were branded but it seemed to give the lads the lift they needed as we scored a further 5 goals, winning 2-6. Goals from Leo x2, Joseph x2, Kesharn and Rohan. A massive result and reaction. We then found ourselves going into a game vs Heather St John’s who had a good run in the FA Youth Cup, beating Eastwood along their way. A large number of the lads had a tough game for PDA earlier on in the day which most definitely impacted on the performance. We were poor for 85 minutes and we found ourselves 1-0 down with five minutes to go. BUT, as mentioned several times already, the winning mentality which the group have displayed previous to this was in full flow. Rohan who was substituted back on in the closing stages, bagged two late goals in stoppage time to end Heather’s unbeaten run. Mental celebrations from the group as we came away with three points on a very heavy pitch, 1-2.

As we went into our 6th straight away game in a row, we travelled to Derbyshire to play Graham St Prims for the second time as tempers flared after the game with their management team clearly not happy being beat in their own backyard. Kye on his return to the team scored very early on and settled any potential nerves. We went into the break 0-1 up but should’ve been out of sight. GSP equalized not long after half time through an unlikely defensive error. I promise I’m not repeating myself on purpose but YET AGAIN we scored late this time twice to secure another three points. Goals from Rohan and Davarn, 1-3. Our next two league fixtures were against Glenfield Utd who actually folded during the season which meant we lost 4 points as we beat them at home 3-1 and drew with them away 1-1. Another late goal at their place in the 93rd minute from Davarn with us again playing with 10 men for 45 minutes.

In between those games, we played a friendly fixture vs Lutterworth Athletic from the Southern Division to keep the lads ticking over. We knew that Lutterworth would be a good side and we continued our impressive away record, beating them 1-3. Goals from Nayte, Leo and Destiny. Going into our next league fixture, I was suspended vs Kirby Muxloe so I couldn’t be in the dugout. Once again, we were down to 10 men for 70 minutes of the game with another controversial decision making us adapt and dig in for a huge amount of the game. Isaac was a standout performer in this game in midfield as he covered so much ground and led us to winning the game 1-2. Going into our final away game of the season vs Mountsorrel, we knew how big this game was as it would’ve pretty much killed any hope of Mountsorrel having a say in who wins the league. We were brilliant again and went 0-2 up with goals coming from Maleeq and Kye. The officials did their upmost to ruin the flow but again the lads came through it and dug in to cement the result. ANOTHER 1-2 win away from home!!!

After playing so many games away from home, we then had what looked like 3 ‘favourable fixtures on paper’ vs Bedworth, Quorn and Barrow. I challenged the lads to score 25 goals across all three games, we scored 34 goals beating Bedworth, 6-1, beating Quorn 13-2 and then hammering Barrow, 15-0. We were ruthless and relentless in those games which sent real statements to the other teams in the league. At no stage have I let the lads think anything has been won. We have approached every fixture properly and have trained every single week of the season except none.

Moving towards some tough games and finding ourselves near on the end of April, we hosted Ingles in a game they needed to win. I went to watch Ingles with Spen vs Gresley on the Monday, and they were embarrassed by Gresley. This would’ve knocked some stuffing out of Ingles but we knew they would come to us and give it their all with lads from both sides knowing each other, which of course makes it a bigger game. We caught Ingles cold with a goal from a set piece in the opening minute. A great delivery from Isaac who found Leo to direct a header over the keeper. This proved to be the deciding moment of the game as we again defended tremendously, winning 1-0 once again.

Going from one big game straight into another with Gresley coming to us on the 1st of May. We knew it would be a big month for us and it would be a game which could have a huge say in our league title win. We were awful in the first half and didn’t create many chances and Gresley having the better half, 0-0. But once again, the group displayed character and courage. We scored three quick goals from Leo x2 and Kye meant that we had real control of the match. There was absolutely no way we would give up a 3-0 lead and we secured yet another 3 points at home.

It was the 8th of May and we were now only four points away from achieving our goal. We faced Coalville at home. It was probably our best performance of the season. The football on show was so good to watch and we ripped the opposition apart, winning 5-0. Goals from Jack x2, Dameer, Leo and Kye. We now found ourselves in a position where we only needed a point vs Heather St John’s. There was so much at stake, Heather had won 13 games on the bounce, the last time they had lost was to us back in January. I knew from the warmup and the atmosphere in the changing room that we would get the job done. Heather were a good side and equalized in the 94th minute through a defensive error but we were superb throughout again and got the all-important point that we needed.
I am so proud of each and every one of the lads, I couldn’t ask them for anymore. They have given me so much and that’s all I can ask for as a young manager myself. Playing 21 games, winning 19, drawing 1 and losing 1. It’s a phenomenal achievement for the team and the club.
I want to also mention our captain of the team who has matured in so many ways over the past 9 months and is also a part of the first team. Kesharn who was sent off vs Bedworth in our third game of the season has learned from his sending off and has been a leader of young men with some minor hiccups along the way, but that’s expected. Kesharn’s attitude to Clifton and dedication has been unquestionable along with many others within the squad.

Finally, I want to end this review with thanking my management team... Mark, Paul, Tom and Bish. What a season it has been, and I don’t think we’d have imagined being in the position we’re in going into our final game of the season on Wednesday night. You have all given so much of your free time to this special group and I’m more than positive all of the lads appreciate your efforts. The conversations/debates/meetings have all been worthwhile in the end.

We have our final game of the season on Wednesday 22nd May, we would like as many of the Clifton community to come and support the lads as they lift the trophy after such long and hard season. (At Home vs Holwell Sports, 19:45pm KO). Bring on the club presentation on Saturday...

Thanks Willo (& the management team)
OMNNIA ALBA – WE FEAR NO FOE!!!!