Stephen Clemence Interview: Barrow Coach Determined to Prove Doubters Wrong

Stephen Clemence: From Player to Manager

Stephen Clemence, with a wealth of experience as a former midfielder and assistant manager, has transitioned into the role of head coach at Barrow, bringing with him a unique perspective from his time at Newcastle and Aston Villa.

The Transition to Management: An Eye-Opening Experience

Having spent ten years as an assistant manager, Clemence understands the subtle yet significant differences when stepping into the role of the main decision-maker. "Steve Bruce would ask me about team selection; I would think about it in the car on the way home and then switch off. Now, as a manager, those things are constantly on my mind," he shared in an interview with Sky Sports.

Immediate Return to Coaching

After a brief and surprising end to his managerial stint at Gillingham, where he left at the close of last season, Clemence didn't contemplate taking a break. Instead, he eagerly accepted the position at Barrow. "I got in the car after receiving the bad news from Gillingham and thought, I need to get on another training ground. I'm hungry to prove myself," Clemence said.

Embracing New Challenges at Barrow

Upon joining Barrow, Clemence found a welcoming environment. "We have access to all the necessary facilities. While it may be smaller, this fosters camaraderie and unity among everyone," he remarked. He appreciates the commitment of players at this level, stating, "It means so much to the lads; they're fighting for their contracts. It feels more passionate and genuine, much like when I was playing," emphasizing the importance of the game in the lives of the players.

Reflections on the Past: Learning from Experience

Despite only having six months of managerial experience at Gillingham, Clemence draws upon an extensive background in football. From facing immense pressure since the age of 19 at Tottenham to assisting Bruce through the highs and lows, he has plenty of lessons to share. His time at Aston Villa was particularly impactful, where players like Jack Grealish recognized his role in their development.

Clemence’s Approach to Player Management

While reflecting on the challenges he faced at Gillingham, he explained, "The explanation given was that the statistics are not good when you change a manager mid-season. They were concerned that a shaky start could hinder promotion chances, which made my departure hard to take." Despite the setbacks, Clemence is focused on building a successful future at Barrow.

New Goals: Building a Progressive Style of Play

One of Clemence's objectives at Barrow is to implement a more attacking style of play. Despite their previous ranking among the bottom five in possession, he does not intend to change everything. Instead, he emphasizes, "Every coach aims to play through the thirds, but it's not always feasible. It's about control rather than mere possession." He analyzes the game from various angles to find effective strategies.

The Importance of Recruitment and Community Connections

Clemence's focus on recruitment is paramount as he collaborates closely with sporting director Iain Wood, analyzing data to identify the right players to join the squad at Barrow. Understanding the community and connecting with supporters has also become a key priority as he aims to bridge the gap between the club and its fans.

Looking to the Future

Ultimately, Stephen Clemence is motivated to lead Barrow to success and improve their standings this season. His coaching career, starting at Sunderland and spanning the Premier League, has culminated in this crucial opportunity. As he prepares to face Gillingham again in September, he's ready to prove his worth. "I have the attitude that I will show them," Clemence asserted, fully dedicated to making a mark in his managerial journey.

Watch Barrow Live on Sky Sports

For fans eager to support Clemence and Barrow's journey this season, matches will be available on Sky Sports and the Sky Sports app, ensuring you don’t miss any action.