Date: Wed 21 Dec 2022

By Steve Whitney

Good News for Basford Fans Ahead of Christmas

Chris Munroe, owner of Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central club Basford United, has announced that the contract of manager Mark Clifford has been extended until at least May 2024.


Mark Clifford

Mark Clifford

Munroe told the club’s Marc Williams: “I am delighted to break this news and agree an extended deal for Cliffy.

“The first priority of an owner is locking down your manager if you rate him, and then we can, as a collective, plot - not just this remaining 2022/23 campaign - but also on 2023/24.

“I rate Cliffy very highly and his business and community acumen fit perfectly with my ambitions and how we evolve our club. I have the same high regard extended to Cliffy’s management team of Wayne Scott and Dave Frecklington, as well as the entirety of our high-quality playing group.

“Therefore, my wife, Jo, and I are delighted to commence this process and provide our first team certainty in our current planning and future aspirations.

“Cliffy and I have talked at length about our strategy going forward that encompasses our first team, commercial advances, pathway, and expectations to take this club into the National League before Jo and I sail away into the sunset.

“I believe this year we have made great strides and are continuing this journey on all fronts throughout the whole club. From the first team to ladies, girls to academy, as well as youth and junior phases, this continued expansion is ready to kick on to the next phase.

“This, though, is the first key cog secured as part of the process, and we will now look to appoint a commercially aware new club chairman in the new year, to mirror off-the-field activities with what we are delivering on the pitch.

“This season has had some immense highs so far, such as a history making FA Cup run and a current league position that has us within striking distance of the play-off places - our Ambers are in great shape!

“However, the club is under no illusions of a brutal run of January fixtures against teams vying for promotion. It will be tough stretch but with our growing and loyal support base then we will give it our best shot."

On signing the deal, Clifford added: “I’m delighted to sign an extension and it was an absolute no brainer for me.

“This squad is evolving, and our style is really starting to come through. I’ve got a great management team that support me, and this extension is testament to the work we do as a team.

“Chris and I have spoken several times in the past few weeks and it’s clear that our aspirations align. We know we still have some work to do but are fully aware to the challenges that face us and I’m very excited about the future at Basford United Football Club.”

There was more good news for the Greenwich Avenue faithful with the arrival of striker Kameron Campbell from Northern Premier League Division One East side Long Eaton United.

The 27-year-old had been with Long Eaton since 2016/17 and made over 100 appearances.

He is a very versatile player, that can play both as a solid midfielder and a clinical striker.

The pacey and agile forward is also a threat in the air and especially shone in the latter stages of the 2020/21 FA Vase.

Meanwhile, Basford have confirmed that the loan of Luther Munakandafa from Vanarama National League neighbours Notts County has been extended to the end of the season.

The 18-year-old has been at Greenwich Avenue since September after signing his first professional deal with the Magpies in the summer and has already become a firm favourite amongst the United faithful with his exciting threat and direct approach.

He has scored 4 times in his 20 appearances to date, whilst providing an assist on 6 occasions, including most recently for Tyreace Palmer’s opener in a 3-1 win over Royston Town last Saturday.

Marc Williams

Basford United Web Site

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