Simon Clifford...

[georgeweahscousin]

....spouting off on twitter.

 

Rupert Lowe was a genius, and he knows better about training techniques than the current regime, plus much, much more...

 

http://twitter.com/#!/SimonDClifford

[for_heaven's_Saint]

For those of us who don't know, who is he?

[Colinjb]

Obviously a man with a very large chip on his shoulder.

 

He owns Garforth FC in the northern premier division, fancies himself as a youth coaching revolutionary. Was involved here while Sir Clive Woodward was in the coaching team.

 

His protege Jason St Juste was on the playing staff here at the time.... I wonder what became of him.

[georgeweahscousin]

To be fair, he is answering my questions and being honest with figures.

 

£300k a year salary. He didn't claim the full year when he went though. Sir Clive came in once or twice a week for his massive salary.

[georgeweahscousin]

For those of us who don't know' date=' who is he?[/quote']

 

Ex Saints coach under Lowe and Woodward.

[scott_saints]

Name rings a bell, but no idea who he is.

[Thorpe-le-Saint]

Meh, a has-been. I for one am glad the club has moved on from this gut-churning past we had.

[COMEONYOUREDS]

Rupert must've been a visionary paying that fool and woodward 300k a year when we were potless. tell him to STFU

[georgeweahscousin]

Just told me, the plan was to have him and Woodward joint managers starting 2006/07 season. Wow.

[Mark``]

Reading it now, its like a mad house

[Saint_clark]

Just told me, the plan was to have him and Woodward joint managers starting 2006/07 season. Wow.

 

Just saw that. Massive revelation to be honest.

[Colinjb]

That is utter lunacy. Thank heavens Rupert never had the chance to implement it.

[Weston Saint]

Chris, as he has said he will defend what he has said in court can you do an article on it here so we can all see what he says. It fits with something HR said to a friend of mine at dinner when he was still Saints Manager.

[Colinjb]

"Had I been Harry and Co I would have hated me too."

 

I wonder, had Rupert actually bothered backing Harry Redknapp.....

[SO5 4BW]

Would they have been worse than those Dutch fools though? All of this makes you very glad for Marcus & NC

[Thorpe-le-Saint]

Just told me, the plan was to have him and Woodward joint managers starting 2006/07 season. Wow.

 

Jesus Christ! What lunacy.

[trousers]

Just told me, the plan was to have him and Woodward joint managers starting 2006/07 season. Wow.

 

I seem to recall that very notion was discussed on here (or this forum's predecessor) at the time, when both Clifford and Woodward were on the scene, albeit in the background. So not really a revelation as such.

[Saint_clark]

Him and Woodward were paid more than any other member of backroom staff inc. the manager.

[Saint_clark]

I seem to recall that very notion was discussed on here (or this forum's predecessor) at the time, when both Clifford and Woodward were on the scene, albeit in the background. So not really a revelation as such.

 

It was speculated, yes - but never anything concrete.

[trousers]

It was speculated, yes - but never anything concrete.

 

Yep, sorry, that's what I meant - speculation. But, as with a lot of speculation, there's quite often a spark of truth somewhere amongst the chaff that triggers the debates on here. As such, given those discussions, it doesn't come as a big surprise that Clifford is now simply confirming those 'rumours' circulating at the time.

[Gordon Mockles]

JOKE REGIME, Clifford and Lowe deserve to be ignored and forgotten for all but destroying our club with hair brained ideas. The current set up proves how to progress when you have a modicum of common sense and ambition while not directing what little money we had towards the wrong areas. That was what frustrated most - no money into the team and stupid, cheap appointments yet money seemed to easily fill the pockets of those on the board.

 

Still, those nightmares days are over and best forgotten.

[cellone]

Football genius or leech?

[gammon cheeks]

Aprize plonker of the highest degree! The "greatest football coach in the world "according to lowe and woodford ! where is he now? Real madrid , Barcelona surely coaching at prem club....................No! still at the mighty galforth town ! Did he not say he would take them to the prem ffs! And he could turn any bloke of the street into a pro footballer!! The blokes a looney .

[Toomer]

Some things never change, still has a high opinion of himself, if it is the man himself.

[SuperSAINT]

Just told me, the plan was to have him and Woodward joint managers starting 2006/07 season. Wow.

 

Was that not common knowledge?

I've heard that before - must've come out during the 'dark days' (or years) that we've had since.

[Colinjb]

Could this be worth putting as a news article? It may not be relevant to our immediate circumstances but as a revelation about the prior running of the club this is staggering.

[Ken Tone]

As I recall, Clifford, according to him, had invented a fantastic new coaching method, and was going to turn the world of football upside down ..and St Juste was going to be world class.

 

Delusional.

 

Hence I find it difficult to believe what he is apparently saying now either (it's twitter remember). Pass the pinch of salt.

[Glasgow_Saint]

Brother called Max

[spyinthesky]

About 5-10 yrs ago Simon Clifford boasted he would take Garforth town to the Premiership in short order (5-10 years?)

 

Where are they now?

[aintforever]

Just told me, the plan was to have him and Woodward joint managers starting 2006/07 season. Wow.

 

What most people were saying at the time.

 

Alot of mugs on here believed the nonsense Lowe spouted about Woodward/Clifford at the time tho

[SuperSAINT]

From 2006 (god, was it really that long ago?!)

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2006/sep/08/newsstory.southampton

[MacFad2207]

I called him blinkered and he is gone on the massive defense big time! Check out what he is saying now about his salary in comparision to other coaching staff/management. He is being brutally honest, its mad. How can he defend Lowe is one sentence then say what he is saying about his salary and feeling like he was "stealing from the club". Deffo worth a read.

[JustMike]

Just told me, the plan was to have him and Woodward joint managers starting 2006/07 season. Wow.

 

thank fook that never happened!

[Weston Saint]

Here is the full trascript for those interested

 

In answer to an article on the OS regarding invite to football scholarships.

 

Futsal is a load of rubbish. A far better training technique, Futebol de Salao was introduced to your club in 2005. FDS brings 7.54 touches a minute, Futsal 2.6.

 

Some of the youth coaches you had and still have are among the very worst I have seen in football. Malcolm Elias your youth scout was a masterstroke in Rupert bringing him. Every scholar I worked with had a home phone number outside of Southampton and had been bought in. If that does not tell you something about Huw Jennings and his coaches, nothing will. I have never met a man as unsuited to a role improving young players. I told Rupert that after one conversation with him I did not rate him at all.

 

He went to be Head of all the Academies at The premier League. He may be good, I just cannot see what at. He is now Head of something at Nike talking a lot on videos as his team travels around losing matches here there and everywhere. Anyone I mentioned academically, development wise the man had never heard of.

 

All the best to your club, forget me or Clive. the real genius you had their was Rupert and some idiots chased him out. Study where that group that Clive and I had each morning and evening and see where they are now. Only 16 then yet all Championship or EPL, very rare that % Our credit nil, we were not there long enough to impact, but Rupert's 100%, you were never in the red under his watch also

 

In answer to a question from a Saints Fan

 

A failure, it was a complete disaster. I thought I could do a job and I could not. I was unable too.

 

I will tell you this though I was the only member of your backroom staff who did not take any money from the club. Rupert said I had grounds for a claim of a year's salary due to some nonsense. I said I deserve what I have done, 2 months 11 days and I gave the money to SVP society. Rupert called me the most honest man he has met in football as a result.

 

Clive told me to sit tight and take the money, I did not. Clive stayed, went once a week after I left and saw it through to May to get his cheque. I refused and I was on £300,000. £250,000 from your club and £25,000 each from Rupert and Clive.

 

I agree in the fans and the regime. I just wish that people had really knew Rupert, I thought as you did before I got to know him, exactly the same view. Anyway, deep down I do wish Saints well, always will.

 

I thought the whole thing was crackers, I had no experience at that level, Clive was Rugby. Clive sold Rupert a manifesto that had doubts about and said no 5 times.

 

Clive convinced me that he was in with the FA and within 3 years we could have the England team, Clive said he had a dream about it!. In reality he was mates with Palios and Rupert was on 2 key boards.

 

We signed and had contracts to be joint management as of season 2006/07. We thought when we signed that this would be EPL. I was the one who stopped that date being season 2005/06

 

Our deals had been agreed long before we arrived. That was silly. I insisted that we must have the reserves that year and at least prove some experience. I was told by Clive we would after 2 months of being told that I was getting the reserves 'next week' and then let's sit back and take the money comment, I was off!

 

We could not possibly have even a prayer without having the reserves, starting the coming August. I stood up for Clive when he would not for himself, but he hid too often, I love him as a man, but he is no leader and the man in the book 'winning' does not exist in reality.

 

I had a 2 hr skype with Rupert last week, I know he will never win you over but he's not bad.

 

If any doubt anything I have said it's all completely accurate and I would stand by it in court.

 

I was a failure though

 

Simon Clifford

[Doctoroncall]

Could this be worth putting as a news article? It may not be relevant to our immediate circumstances but as a revelation about the prior running of the club this is staggering.

 

But do you know it is SC that is saying these things.

[aintforever]

LOL, says how great his mate Rupert was then illustrates what a circus SFC was when he was there.

 

Clifford is a footballing nobody, his opinion is about as valid as the bloke who runs your local under 12s side.

[JustMike]

what utter carp! So some of our youth coaches are the worst he has seen in football? I woud suggest that he hasnt seen too many then. Go back to your pub team Clifford!

[Colinjb]

But do you know it is SC that is saying these things.

 

A very fair point. I don't, I'm just taking it on trust that it is the Simon Clifford's twitter account.

[Saint-Armstrong]

That's it, I'm adding Rupes on my Skype.

[Graffito]

Here is the full trascript for those interested

 

In answer to an article on the OS regarding invite to football scholarships.

 

Futsal is a load of rubbish. A far better training technique, Futebol de Salao was introduced to your club in 2005. FDS brings 7.54 touches a minute, Futsal 2.6.

 

Some of the youth coaches you had and still have are among the very worst I have seen in football. Malcolm Elias your youth scout was a masterstroke in Rupert bringing him. Every scholar I worked with had a home phone number outside of Southampton and had been bought in. If that does not tell you something about Huw Jennings and his coaches, nothing will. I have never met a man as unsuited to a role improving young players. I told Rupert that after one conversation with him I did not rate him at all.

 

He went to be Head of all the Academies at The premier League. He may be good, I just cannot see what at. He is now Head of something at Nike talking a lot on videos as his team travels around losing matches here there and everywhere. Anyone I mentioned academically, development wise the man had never heard of.

 

All the best to your club, forget me or Clive. the real genius you had their was Rupert and some idiots chased him out. Study where that group that Clive and I had each morning and evening and see where they are now. Only 16 then yet all Championship or EPL, very rare that % Our credit nil, we were not there long enough to impact, but Rupert's 100%, you were never in the red under his watch also

 

In answer to a question from a Saints Fan

 

A failure, it was a complete disaster. I thought I could do a job and I could not. I was unable too.

 

I will tell you this though I was the only member of your backroom staff who did not take any money from the club. Rupert said I had grounds for a claim of a year's salary due to some nonsense. I said I deserve what I have done, 2 months 11 days and I gave the money to SVP society. Rupert called me the most honest man he has met in football as a result.

 

Clive told me to sit tight and take the money, I did not. Clive stayed, went once a week after I left and saw it through to May to get his cheque. I refused and I was on £300,000. £250,000 from your club and £25,000 each from Rupert and Clive.

 

I agree in the fans and the regime. I just wish that people had really knew Rupert, I thought as you did before I got to know him, exactly the same view. Anyway, deep down I do wish Saints well, always will.

 

I thought the whole thing was crackers, I had no experience at that level, Clive was Rugby. Clive sold Rupert a manifesto that had doubts about and said no 5 times.

 

Clive convinced me that he was in with the FA and within 3 years we could have the England team, Clive said he had a dream about it!. In reality he was mates with Palios and Rupert was on 2 key boards.

 

We signed and had contracts to be joint management as of season 2006/07. We thought when we signed that this would be EPL. I was the one who stopped that date being season 2005/06

 

Our deals had been agreed long before we arrived. That was silly. I insisted that we must have the reserves that year and at least prove some experience. I was told by Clive we would after 2 months of being told that I was getting the reserves 'next week' and then let's sit back and take the money comment, I was off!

 

We could not possibly have even a prayer without having the reserves, starting the coming August. I stood up for Clive when he would not for himself, but he hid too often, I love him as a man, but he is no leader and the man in the book 'winning' does not exist in reality.

 

I had a 2 hr skype with Rupert last week, I know he will never win you over but he's not bad.

 

If any doubt anything I have said it's all completely accurate and I would stand by it in court.

 

I was a failure though

 

Simon Clifford

 

Sounds like he's down to his last marble. I agree with one thing he says though.

[Minty]

Shoot me too if you like, but that actually sounds to me like the honest comments of someone who has nothing to hide or lose and so is just telling it as it was. None of it would surprise me at all.

[um pahars]

Just saw that. Massive revelation to be honest.

 

It's not a massive revelation at all!!!!

 

Go back to those dark days and there were many telling those who wanted to hear that the was the masterplan!!!

 

So glad those mental days are in the past!!!

[MacFad2207]

He has suggested I go up to Leeds and have a more formal chat about the situation and I can write it up after. I am pretty keen, so I am going to arrange to go up in a couple of weeks. So, if anyone has any particular questions they would like asked, DM me. Also, if anyone else fancies heading up with me, just shout! It should be pretty interesting, he is certainly being very honest about it all.

[The Cat]

I find his honesty most refeshing, he really doesn't need to take time to answer the questions people are asking him on twitter.

 

Also I don't see how him being at Saints is his fault. It was Lowe and the board who agreed his and Woodward's positions and salary (which if true was madness).

 

Yes he may be a self publicist, but then so are a lot of people. If Clifford is to be believed then it's Woodward who was truly crackers.

[vin]

Regarding Clifford's comments about Huw Jennings - he's now head of youth at Fulham who, coincidentally, pipped our u18s to league last season. He must be doing something right... Oh, and if our youth coaches are that bad imagine how bad they must be at pretty much every other academy...

[Gemmel]

The management position was actually confirmed by woodward in an interview about six months after he left (I was surprised then that no one really picked up on it).

 

Huge error of judgement by lowe. Regardless of whether they could do the job, they had a contract for a position that was still filled by HR. Funny that we got relegated that year.

[Weston Saint]

Part 2

 

Had I been Harry and co I would have hated me too, I did not know until I spoke to Kevin Bond 2 years ago that a month before I arrived Clive had called a meeting to tell the staff that 'the best coach in the world was coming to teach them', that did not help me at all.

 

Clive and I were also paid more than the manager which was leaked pre me coming, Dave Bassett was only on £50,000. Jim Smith had been the same, I would have been not very happy

 

I did not know what they were on, my salary kept increasing every time I said no. It was not the money I said no on, it all sounded daft. In any event my salary was to be paid to my soccer schools that do not make profit.

 

I was also told to criticise the players and interviews set up so I could in order that we got the players or a particular coach to leave. This was not Rupert, then I copped for it. I was also in my contract allowed to be still running my other operations. Even when we had the team. They should never have agreed to that and I could not believe they did, I hoped they would refuse

 

So I was on £300,000 a year in the season before we could take over. Worked one hour of a morning Monday to Thursday did 2 hours Tuesday and Wednesday night. In total 8 hours a week, I flew home each Thursday on the 1.20 pm to Leeds. I tried to do more work, but I was told to go and relax. Clive bought an apartment and never stayed in it. I said from week 2 I felt we were stealing from the club at our wages and was not comfortable. The only other thing I did while there was I did Clive's session plans and course work for his badges, sorry to saints fans, it was truly a shambles.

 

The daftness like letting me carry on with my schools Rupert was against and got outvoted, in retrospect they and I could name each board member, every minute and meeting, the silly things were not RL, the board had three factions

[Lord Duckhunter]

The biggest loon's were the saint's fans that thought Lowe was onto something with all this nonsense............

[saintmatt]

I'm amazed we took our relegation fight to the last day based on all this!

[Verbal]

All this only makes Cortese look even better - and for all the pain the club has been though until ML, we dodged a bullet when Lowe was forced to ditch Clifford.