As Stephen Clemence prepares for his first game as Gillingham’s manager, he has learned that a former colleague strongly supported his accepting the position.
When Clemence was managing West Bromwich Albion, Steve Bruce offered a straightforward advice for the incoming Gillingham manager: “Go for it!”
Bruce’s words of support clinched the deal, and Clemence’s qualifications could not be evaluated by anyone better. The two had worked together for almost ten years.
According to Kent Online, the new Priestfield manager was open about his decision-making process. “I am ecstatic because I have been really devoted to Steve, just as he has been to me. I could never have walked away from him for anything. Although I’ve had opportunities in the past, I chose to follow his advice when we left our previous job: “It’s your time now, go and do it, you’re ready.”
Steve is an amazing man who has done so much for me. I was one of his former players when I started working for him, and he recognised something in me that made him want to take me on. Over time, our bond has deepened and we have become more intimate. I want to assume that the major reason he has taken me around is that I am good at my work.
The two shared a unique bond that they still do.
“He told me to go for it when he heard about my desire. “You a
re more than ready; this is your time,” he remarked. It’s particularly noteworthy since I’m beginning my head coaching career here, and he began his playing career at Gillingham.
“Over the past few weeks, we have talked on the phone a lot, and I know he will always be there if I need advice.”
There is always time for a reevaluation after taking a break from football. Clemence was always eager to return to the game even if he took a break from it. “I have spent thirty years in this game, and I spent some time with my
Given that Steve Bruce has worked with many well-known figures, one may assume that he would be an excellent judge of whether someone was prepared to go on to the next phase of their career. His statements would have raised Clemence’s spirits even more and persuaded the already enthusiastic Clemence.
For Clemence, this is a new phase that he is excitedly welcoming. He has strong support and a good possibility of becoming well-known on his own right now rather than in the shadow of someone else. Naturally, this will be a change, since he will now be at risk if things don’t work out as planned right soon. On the other hand, should he succeed, the benefits may be enormous.
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