It’s been a big few weeks for Willie Clemons as hot on the heels of moving into the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central with Leiston as their first summer signing, he headed off on international duty to help Bermuda move into the next round of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The 30 year-old has been capped 34 times by his country with the latest outing seeing him play his part in a 2-1 victory over Cuba, which moved the Gombey Warriors into the next stage of qualification where they will battle it out with Jamaica, Curacao and Trinidad & Tobago.
“It’s a very special privilege to represent your country at any level,” Clemons told us. “I’ve been blessed to be involved at national level from youth football through to the senior team.
“It’s extra special now having made my way back into the side following an ACL rupture that could have easily ended my career. Because of that I now take every opportunity and every cap that comes my way very seriously as I truly appreciate how lucky I am to have this opportunity.
“To progress into the next stage of qualification is a massive achievement for our country and personally it is a second major achievement at international level following our 2019 Gold Cup campaign, which I was also part of.
“To make it to the World Cup finals would be a dream come true and it’s something that we’ll be giving our all to achieve.”
Having spent last season at Felixstowe & Walton, Clemons is looking forward to the challenge that the Premier Central will present.
“This next chapter is an exciting one,” he added. “Again, the injury has made me appreciate everything I have and also realise that nothing is guaranteed, so I will be doing all I can to be successful here and help the club achieve its objectives in what is a tough and competitive League.
“I have a lot to give and I can’t wait to be part of what is a physical and demanding level with plenty of good quality. I’ve played at the level below and at the level above, so I have an idea of what will be required.
“I’d like to think that I will bring a bit of quality, flexibility and experience to the team; my aim is to contribute with goals and assists.”
After beginning his football career in his homeland, he then moved to college in America before heading to Bodens BK in Sweden where his footballing education continued as he progressed through the youth system to turn professional.
“Those days spent learning my trade in Sweden were so influential for me,” he continued. “It shaped me into the player I am and helped me to define how I view and interpret the game. It stood me in good stead for international football too where you have to understand how to consistently perform to the highest standards and be able to deal with high pressure situations.
“I turned pro at Bodens BK and then moved on to Dalkurd FF at the turn of 2020 before moving to the UK, initially with Stowmarket Town and then Braintree Town, where I won promotion into The National League.”
So, as we look ahead to 2025/26, what are his aims and targets?
“Traditionally, I don’t do very specific targets or aims each season,” he admitted. “But I would like to establish a regular place in the team and contribute consistently with goals and assists.
“I want to help lead this team and give us the extra push towards competing for promotion, all whilst enjoying my football.”
IMAGE: Leiston FC
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