It has been over a month since the last game of football for Southend United, Euan Rourke catches up with February’s Player of the Month Tom Clifford about his season so far and what the young left-back has been doing in these unusual times.
The 20-year-old picked up the Club’s Player of the Month for February after starting all seven games for the Seasiders and impressing Sol Campbell. “Winning the award was massive for me considering I made my debut on the first day of the month. It was a proud moment for me.”
“I’ve enjoyed playing for the club a lot. It’s a different challenge to what I had been used to but I’ve loved it.”
On the 1st February, Clifford made his full debut for Southend against Lincoln City. The Blues won in the 90+6th minute through teammate, Elvis Bwomono first senior goal. “My debut against Lincoln was my favourite moment at the Club. To win how we did late in the game, it was just incredible!”
“It’s been good to be playing at the same time as a lot of some of the boys I’ve played with for a long time now.”
The 20-year-old also spent 3 months on loan at National League South side Concord Rangers, becoming a quick fan favourite with the Beach Boys. “My time at Concord was very beneficial to my career because the club gave me a platform to go and play against some experienced players.”
“The boys were all great to me there and so were all the staff. I can’t thank them enough for what they done for me.”
Clifford was part of the non-league Club’s fantastic journey in the FA Trophy, including featuring in the big comeback win against Maidstone United. Concord went 2-0 down before the Beach Boys scored 3 goals including 2 in the last 10 minutes of the game. “The Maidstone United game in December was my favourite game for the Club. I was also there to watch them beat Royston Town in the Quarter-final which was also a great night.”
“The Club have worked so hard the whole season and it would be amazing for the club! They deserve to play at Wembley and I would definitely be there watching if it goes ahead which hopefully it will!”
“I got on with all of the players at the Club, especially Aron Pollock. They all helped me because they gave me confidence to go and play football and to also enjoy it!”
The last Southend United game to be played was on the 7th March. The Blues won 3-1 against Bristol Rovers, their first win since Tom Clifford’s Debut in February. On March 13th, the EFL released a statement stating that the League will not take place until April 3rd. Though since then, the EFL have said that no games will be played for the foreseeable future. “We were just a bit shocked really, we didn’t know we wouldn’t be training or playing for this long.”
“I’ve just been keeping fit since the season was postponed. I’ve been doing a programme that the club have sent us, but it’s not the same as training, I just want to be back now! I just love football, it’s all I’ve ever known.”
“You just don’t realise how boring your life is when it’s all you know! I know quite a few of the boys are bored now! I’ve nearly watched everything on Netflix.”
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