Conor Clifford

[Crosby87]

Neal Ardley could swoop in for Irish star and ex Shrimper Clifford, suggests one publication.

http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/afc-wimbledon-transfers-ten-players-9511228

[tetsujin1979]

linked with Dundalk in today's Independent: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/former-chelsea-wonderkid-clifford-in-talks-with-dundalk-switch-35355035.html

[Olé Olé]

Very interesting move if it came off. Interesting to note that the article states Crawley are looking at bringing him back in to the football league again too. Funny how Dundalk's season has changed perceptions of the league. Clifford and O'Hanlon are too of the most highly touted young players to cross the water in recent times. Kenny McEvoy had a big reputation for a while too (had some solid loans at a young age, it wasn't just the Bale-like appearance).

What can Clifford show at 25/26 to suggest he'll make it to the level we were led to believe and may have believed he was capable of as a teenager? Foggy path.

[Stuttgart88]

I think they're coming back because the league's brand is cool.

[paul_oshea]

Signs for Dundalk. Those are the signings that excite me, getting schooled over in England playing against the best underage sides and now getting the chance to shine in the LOI. IF he does well with Dundalk he will get his chance again in a few years. Its a cycle that is becoming more frequent, one that I think can only be good for the players, the league and the National team.

[tetsujin1979]

realistically, it's at least two years before he'll get a chance to move back to England. He's 25 now, the same age as Towell. He'll really want to excel in the LOI, and in Europe, before any Engilsh club will take a chance on a player that's unproven (at the moment) at any level higher than non-league. Having said that, it's the kind of signing that I want to see LOI clubs push for - talented young players who, for whatever reason, don't make it beyond the "promising academy" status. O'Hanlon to St Pats is another example.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd say he's back for good. Few but the most exceptional go over in their late twenties and his career so far hasn't suggested he will be.

[paul_oshea]

Ya id agree with all that when i posted it i thought he was still only 23 or so.

[Lenny82]

In the past, I think players felt like they had failed if they moved home to play LOI so they would rather hover around the lower divisions. With Dundalk's exploits in Europe and the likes of Towell, Boyle and Horgan making big moves, they've effectively broken the stigma and I would hope to see more players coming home to develop further rather than signing for the likes of Boreham bleedin' Wood!

[liamoo11]

In the past, I think players felt like they had failed if they moved home to play LOI so they would rather hover around the lower divisions. With Dundalk's exploits in Europe and the likes of Towell, Boyle and Horgan making big moves, they've effectively broken the stigma and I would hope to see more players coming home to develop further rather than signing for the likes of Boreham bleedin' Wood!


In fairness living basically in London if you are 23/24 playing for boreham wood is a bit more attractive than Dundalk making a hundred thousand sterling a year. Isn't his partner an actress/dancer as well which I'm sure living in London is fantastic for . Excited to see him home though but more excited by o Hanlon at pats think he could light it up

[nigel-harps1954]

Hardly making hundred thousand sterling a year at a conference side? Reported average wage at a conference side is around £600 p/w. He'll get similar to that at Dundalk handy enough and can live in Dublin close to family at that.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'm more interested in how liamo knows his partner is an actress/dancer.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm more interested in how liamo knows his partner is an actress/dancer.
Clifford mentions her a bit on twitter

[Lenny82]

Any pictures?

[tetsujin1979]

Grow up

[Olé Olé]

In fairness living basically in London if you are 23/24 playing for boreham wood is a bit more attractive than Dundalk making a hundred thousand sterling a year. Isn't his partner an actress/dancer as well which I'm sure living in London is fantastic for . Excited to see him home though but more excited by o Hanlon at pats think he could light it up

Timing seems right for O'Hanlon. Although I thought the same for Drennan and Miele. Miele might do something yet. It seems to me Clifford has made the leap too late. He'll be 26 by the time the LOI season is over. I think he'll be here for a while. And that's not a bad thing at all.

That said, Donal McDermott was 25 when he came back to Drogheda. He did nothing there yet still has managed to carve out a couple of good years in League One for himself.

[Lenny82]

Grow up

Touchy!

[SkStu]

Touchy!

check tottywatch thread...

[DeLorean]

Yeah grow up Lenny, and come on over to the tottywatch thread. ;)

[Lenny82]

😄 Must give that a look!

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Clifford speaks.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/its-only-when-you-get-older-you-realise-how-horrible-it-can-be-conor-clifford-on-the-reality-of-professional-football-35379580.html

[tetsujin1979]

interview with him on rte.ie ahead of the new season: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017/0220/853992-conor-clifford-dundalk-chelsea-tony-odonoghue/