Worle FC are delighted to announce that Sam Clements has signed as our first team manager. A former Worle FC player, Sam has already accumulated strong managerial experience at a relatively young age and we are excited to see what he will bring to the club. He spoke to us this week about the challenge ahead:
For those who don’t know you, can you tell us a little about your playing and coaching career so far?
After I finished junior football I made the leap straight into men’s football at Hutton FC where we competed at the top of the table for a couple of seasons. After establishing myself in the side as a centre-half I took the opportunity to jump a few leagues, joining Worle and playing at a decent level in county football at 18. I stayed here for a few years but when the club was in a bit of a transition period I decided to join Congresbury FC. We had a strong side and went on to win the league comfortably.
With a lot of eyes on the Congresbury team, Alan “Smudge” Smith persuaded me to join Wrington. I have spent the last 10 years at the club achieving solid positions in the County Prem and a great cup win.
Unfortunately during my time at Wrington I had a bad break to my ankle and also tore my ligaments. After realising I was struggling to move about the pitch at this level, plus with a lot of players reaching the end of their playing careers, I decided to get on board with the management team of Leigh White. We took a struggling side on and invested in 16 year olds and mates to help us in a sticky situation. We stuck with it and eventually reaped the rewards by gaining promotion back to the County Premier Division. After a difficult time there last season I decided I needed to freshen things up again for myself so had the pleasure of being offered the Worle job. Let’s see what happens in the future!
What qualities do you feel you bring to the role?
Firstly I am extremely hard-working – when I’m part of a club I will give my all for them no matter what. Worle is a big club in the area and everyone here is constantly trying to progress the club to bigger and better things, so I’m excited to be on board with that.
Football-wise, I have a good understanding of the game and I can see tactically what’s required at the right time, whether that’s the players that are available or teams we may be playing against. I have a set of basic principles in games and like to build a team to play off those principles in whichever way that may be. I’ve always had a good relationship with the majority of players and I believe that being honest with them creates a good environment to play in.
What qualities do you look for in your players?
The main qualities I look for in players are hard workers and the ones willing to put their bodies on the line for the team. I believe if you work harder and have a better attitude than the opposition, playing nice football will take care of itself in a team with good players like Worle, and 99% of the time you will win. Alongside this, having the players with composure and skill who move the ball quickly, keep us playing and creating chances are vital for the team to succeed.
Do you anticipate making changes to the squad?
Looking at the squad from afar, I would say we have a good group to kick on from last season. We have players at a good age and full of experience in the division so I think the base is there already. Obviously I have a few players in mind who I’d like to bring in and add to the squad which could freshen things up a bit, but at the end of the day everyone will have a fair opportunity to be part of the squad.
What are your expectations for the first team this season?
We will be looking to progress from last season’s position, and finish as high as possible. In this league anyone can beat anyone on their day so we just have to make sure we’re competitive in every game and pick up our points early on in the season. That will give us a good platform to try and achieve the highest possible finish. It would be great to have a good cup run and try and win a trophy. All in all I’m expecting to have a fully committed squad looking to achieve as much as possible!
Welcome to Worle, Sam!
