'I'LL GIVE IT MY ALL FOR GILLS'

Clemence excited by managerial chance

- John Lyons

HE’S impressed in the shadows, but Stephen Clemence is now hungry to show what he can do in the glare of the managerial spotlight.

The 45-year-old, son of late Liverpool and England goalkeeping legend Ray, was appointed manager by ambitious League Two club Gillingham on Wednesday.

It’s a first shot at management for Clemence, though he has been a trusted part of Steve Bruce’s coaching staff at Sunderland, Hull, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle and West Brom.

That experience will stand him in good stead, plus the knowledge gleaned from his playing days with Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester.

“I have been influenced by a lot of people in my career,” he told the club website. “I was born into a footballing family and I have played for some good football teams. I have had some top managers as a player, the likes of Glenn Hoddle and George Graham. I have had a great coaching journey with Steve Bruce and I have learnt so much there.