Basford United legends return to make a mark

By Jon Couch

NEW BOSS: Mark Clifford

Basford United have unveiled a new three-pronged first-team management team to begin a new era at the club.

Former Ilkeston Town boss Mark Clifford is back at the club and will work alongside Liam Hearn and Wayne Scott under the mentorship of predecessor Steve Chettle, who has moved upstairs as the new Director of Football.

And in a week of big announcements, the club’s owner and chairman Chris Munroe says he is to step down and retire at “an appropriate point” after 15 years with the Northern Premier League club.

Clifford enjoyed a very successful spell at United between 2015-2019, playing a pivotal role in securing the club promotion to the NPL Premier as title winners, amassing 100 points and scoring more than 100 goals.

Former striker Hearn, who scored 47 goals in that famous 2017-18 campaign, will take the role as Clifford’s assistant and will also register again as a player.

And ex-Carlton Town manager Scott completes the trio having been at the club since 2012 in various managerial and coaching roles.

Clifford said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. We have an excellent group that needs to kick on if we have any aspirations in pushing towards the play-off spots.”

Just days after announcing his intention to step down, owner Munroe said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Mark, Liam and Wayne to their roles, three high quality individuals who know our club, desire and culture.

“I think they will do a superb job and have not ruled out getting into this season’s NPL Premier division play-offs. It is truly an exciting time for the club and this final announcement really ends the week on a significant high.”