From Switzerland with Love.
They say football in a emotional game, well its been emotional. You thought Brain Clough had it hard at Leeds with just the 44 games in charge ? Now take a 4 away from 44 and what do you have left ? 4 ! The exactly the same amount of games Manager Ben Clifford managed with Basel. His tenure started the 13.10.2017 and came crashing to the ground on 04.11.2017. A media ban on the story has now lifted and it was made public knowledge that Basel chairman locked Clifford out of the training ground and refused to allow him to return to work on that fateful day 04.11.2017. The new organisation that is NWO (Previously known as FIFA) tried to intervene, but to no ends the Basel Chairman refused Clifford access and eventually handed the manager his P45.
A new hope.
Step forward Italian giants A.C Milan ! on November 12th 2017 a opportunity for now jobless manager Ben Clifford arose. A.C Milan contacted Clifford in the early hours before news broke then current boss Franco Zola (The second ? Maybe Third ?) was shortly due to receive his marching orders, a jail term of 4 years was imposed on Zola for his part in tax fiddles with ex owner Silvio Berlusconi. On top of that match fixing and manager bribes were also alleged. Naughty Boy !
Clifford immediately was asked to express interest should the job become free, and a few hours later Ben Clifford attended the San Siro in order to formalise personal talks and to sign a contract keeping him at the San Siro for 4 seasons.
Clifford's comments " I am obviously delighted at the opportunity to return to football, and what bigger platform can you have then A.C Milan, for all the old managers faults I find myself taking over a team placed 1st in the table, unbeaten motivated and all performing well "
" I have assured the owners that I do not lead a double life and that they can expect me to turn up to training the one day and not see someone else the next. The squad looks in excellent condition and with me im brining in some experienced Italian speaking coaches to help bridge the gap. The 3 year contract gives me the time this side needs in order to move onto the next phase of the owners plan which is to bring back European Titles to the San Siro"
Clifford watched from the stands as a record 80,000 people turned out to watch Milan's game with Juventus unfold. In typical Italian fashion the game produced a entertaining 1-1 draw a result that keeps Ac top of the table a single point the difference between them and second placed Arsenal.
Just as quick as one door closed for Clifford and new exciting one opens. Will Milan be able to maintain their form and battle for a unlikely first season promotion ? Time will tell, is Clifford here for the long haul after a worrying early display at Basel ? Chairman aside you bet he is !
