All positives for Clough in debut season with DPMM FC

 Fadhil Yunus

DPMM FC’s foreign import player Charlie Clough has enjoyed his debut season with the club after winning the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title last season.

Clough entered the club’s history books after becoming the first club’s Englishman to earn a SPL’s medal.

“It was the first winners’ medal of my career and lifting the trophy at our home ground in front of 20,000 fans was the best feeling ever,” he said.

The 30-year-old played an instrumental role in DPMM FC’s title triumph last year at the heart of defence. He opened the scoring in the 2-0 victory against title contenders Tampines Rovers FC during their only appearance this year.

The SPL is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Taunton-born Englishman is enjoying his time in the Sultanate as he entered his second year since making the switch from Europe to Southeast Asia.

“The weather is always hot and Brunei is very peaceful. It is a very religious Muslim country so everyone is nice and respectful,” Clough said in an interview with Gloucestershire Live recently.

“The place is so clean and tidy and they look after their people here, so everyone is happy. The lifestyle beats living in the UK (United Kingdom) hands down,” he added.

He said football takes most of his time with training taking up double sessions on some days.

The former Barnet man has been impressed with the technical ability of his teammates although he admitted the football physicality is lesser compared to England.

“I’ve had to adapt to the style that is played here and players are not as physical as in the UK, but technically they are very good and sharp,” said the centre-back, who was also named in the SPL Team of the Year last season.

Like the rest of the DPMM FC squad, Clough has been training on building his fitness levels before being allowed to use balls in line with the revised guidelines relating to team sports.

Charlie also expressed his hopes of signing a new contract for the 2021 season amid the club’s wait to resume their competitive action.

“I know they really like me here as a character so fingers crossed I can get that over the line.”

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