A Touching Gesture in Times of Grief
Stephen Clemence holds a deep appreciation for the heartfelt support he received from Frank Lampard during a particularly difficult chapter in his life—the death of his father, legendary goalkeeper Ray Clemence. Ray passed away on November 15, 2020, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly influenced Stephen’s life and career. At the time, Stephen was working as an assistant coach at Newcastle under Steve Bruce. He recounted how Lampard, having experienced the loss of his mother, reached out to express his condolences.
In a recent exclusive interview with The Sun, Clemence reflected on the significance of Lampard’s words. “Frank was exceptional. He took the time to reach out and share in my grief. His sincere comments at St. James’ Park highlighted what an incredible person he truly is,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of solidarity within the football fraternity during trying times.
Lessons from a Legendary Father
At 46, Stephen grew up watching his father’s illustrious coaching career at Liverpool, where Ray set a powerful example of professionalism and dedication. These formative experiences not only shaped Stephen’s football journey—spanning stints at clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City, and Leicester City—but also paved the way for his coaching career alongside Steve Bruce at various teams.
Clemence reminisced about the invaluable lessons imparted by his father, stating, “The most significant lesson I learned from him was the importance of hard work. While I may have had some natural talent, it was the relentless effort that truly made a difference in reaching the Premier League.” Although he was too young to recall many of his father’s achievements, he vividly remembered the determination Ray displayed during his time at Tottenham and Barnet.
Embracing the Trials of Management
Navigating the football management landscape has exposed Clemence to its harsh realities—brief tenures and impatient club owners. After a challenging period at Gillingham, which ended prematurely due to promotion challenges, he expressed gratitude toward his previous employers for their opportunities.
Currently, Clemence has taken the helm at Barrow, having signed a two-year contract in May. He expressed enthusiasm for the club’s ambitious journey, stating, “The strides made over the last five years are truly commendable. I commend the owners who stepped in to save the club.” With impressive ticket sales for their upcoming match at Stamford Bridge, he is eager to lead his team against Chelsea.
Although he has yet to defeat Chelsea in his playing career, Clemence remains optimistic about the upcoming clash. “It will be a tough contest, but we’ve seen underdog teams like Bradford create magic before. Belief will be crucial!” With a sense of hope, Clemence looks forward to this significant match.
