Walsall Football Club have today completed the signing of former Chelsea midfielder Billy Clifford following a brief trial spell.21-year-old Slough born Clifford, who has signed a five-month deal, is a product of the Chelsea Football Club Academy having joined them in 1999 as a youngster.
Despite spending more than a decade with the Stamford Bridge club, Billy failed to make a single first-team appearance for the Blues, he did however make several appearances for the clubs youth and reserve sides along with an appearance on the bench for a UEFA Champions League match against Spartak Moscow, in 2010.
Billy also had spells on loan with Colchester United, Yeovil Town and Royal Antwerp, where he played with fellow Saddlers trialist Mathieu Manset.
He penned a new four-year contract with Chelsea in the September 2011, but, despite having a year remaining, requested, and was granted his release, in order to seek first-team football.
It is understood that Billy was offered a trial with the Saddlers following a discussion between Dean Smith and former Saddlers loanee Milan Lalkovic, who suggested Billy should contact Smith.
Billy made substitute appearances for the Saddlers during the Mansfield Town and Aston Villa friendlies and received very positive reviews from press and supporters alike.
Yesterday evening Billy took to his Twitter account to thank all at Chelsea Football Club for supporting him during his time with the club, he said; "Cancellation of my contract at Chelsea FC was to go and find regular first team football. Would like to take the time to thank all the staff, players and supports (sic) for the amazing 13 years I've had at the club and wish them the very best in the future. Chelsea will always be in my heart."
Walsall manager Dean Smith told Saddlers.co.uk; “This deal gives him the opportunity to further impress. He’s had a good upbringing in the game and already in the brief time that he has been with us, he’s displayed great technical ability.
“There are elements of his game that require work, but he is aware of that and is prepared to come here on a short-term deal and work hard in a bid to earn himself a longer-term contract at the club.
“I've been impressed by his attitude and his willingness to learn. He has fitted in well and I am delighted to add him to our squad.”
Billy added; “I am excited and happy to put my signature on the paperwork here. I’m looking forward to it; I feel that I have fitted in well here and I can’t wait to get stuck into the challenge ahead.
“I’m still a bit rusty, but hopeful over the coming weeks the fans will be able to see what I can do.
“I want to develop as a player. I know that I have some improving to do and I am prepared to put the work in.
“Being here will help me greatly; I've been with Chelsea since the age of eight and it’s hard to come out of that bubble and get into the real world, but this is the right place for me to come in order to progress my career.
“I've learned a lot at Chelsea and that will stand me in good stead. This is a good time to come to the club and I am determined to set a marker at Port Vale on Saturday by helping us get off to a winning start to the season.”