Meet The 'A Team'
Barry Oldfield
Assistant Manager
Meet one of the oldest club members Barry Oldfield. He has been with the club since Lee took over.
An ever present player & assistant to Lee. He has help assist in the running of the club alongside playing. Below are just a few of his qualities hence why Lee appointed him:
Leadership: As an Assistant manager he leads by example on a weekly basis by representing the club well by acting as a role model! (Rarely seen having any sort of argument with either the oppo or the ref).
Recruitment & Coaching: As an Assistant manager he is always on the look out for new opportunities (I mean personnel) quality players (like Dave Hooper) and integrates them seamlessly into the team. Knowledgeable about the game (being an Arsenal fan) enables him to develop player's skills. This can be done by watching and learning from a master at work when playing.
People skills: these are a must in this job. Not only does he interact with the team, but you will also need to assist the manager even when they are both on the pitch together. At times players have questioned the relationship, as they seem to be like an old married couple.
Typical quotes from the Manager before KO or at half time that the assist manager is required to translate:
"I do want us to play the short ball and I do want us to play the long ball. I think long and short balls is what football is all about.
"I can’t even spell spaghetti never mind talk Italian. How could I tell an Alberto our Italian to get the ball? He might grab mine."
"We deserved to win this game after hammering them 0-0 in the first half."
When football fan Lee Champion applied for the vacant Clifton FC Managers application form, he just expected to have a funny story to tell his friends.
However the 39-year-old MTA Operational Manager , who supports Chelsea, was left astonished when he received all the clubs kit, footballs and training equipment left on his door step one evening, he quickly realised that the out going owner manager/owner had washed his hands of the club. This meant by default, the club was now his responsability whether he wanted it or not!
Mr Champion, has since admitted that his experience is limited to once coaching his son out in the back garden and has played many hours of computer game Football Manger.
Since the day he took over the club has grown in size, and has one league title to their name, thanks to the hard work and commitment of this unlikely club owner/team manager.
Lee Champion
Club Manager
Simon Cranmer
Club Captain
Simon Cranmer - aka 'Captain Marvel"
Joined Clifton two years ago - after a major recruitment drive from the management team to turn the fortunes of the club around.
The Fireman come Playboy and keen JSL fan (as he's often seen copying their dress code on nights out). Is our club 'Captain' and is the glue that keeps this team ticking over.
Sharp whit and a great story teller, this player has it all.
Creative midfield player that bosses the pitch along side Hooper and Hunter (HCH) Clifton's own 3 man version of Blackburns SAS!
Has played at a desent level and has already captain the side to its first League title in circa 60 years!