| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC’s new foreign import Charlie Clough has set his sights on winning the Singapore Premier League (SPL) ahead of the season opener against Home United at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore on March 3.
Clough, who last featured for National League outfit Sutton United, is looking forward to making his Singapore Premier League debut.
The Taunton-born native will have his first taste of competitive football in Asia, having spent most of his career in England.
“I’ve come here to win games. I’ve come here to win the league. I’m not here to finish third or fourth. My goal is to win the league,” Clough said in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium recently.
“My new teammates have been settling in really well. They are a good set of lads who got a lot of potential.
There are very good young talented players as well.”
He continued, “I’m looking forward to the new season and there’s a lot of potential for a successful season.”
The 28-year-old pointed out the differences compared to his playing days in England, especially the weather.
He said, “It is a lot different. Obviously the weather, so you have to train at different times. Obviously you have to be careful if it’s a hot day so as not to do too much. In England, it’s raining most of the time so you can train whenever.
“Physically, I think the games are slower here. It is not as physical as in England so I have got to adapt as a player because I’m used to having a wrestle with the striker up front in the game.
“I think it will be different here. I still need to learn and adapt to the way they play the game here, but I’m looking forward to it.”
The former Bristol Rovers defender will fulfil a dream of playing overseas and is determined to help his new team achieve success.
He said, “I have always wanted to play abroad from a young age.”
Clough admitted that he was not familiar with Brunei when he made the move, saying, “I didn’t really know about the place until I came. I did research on it.”
“Brunei is a beautiful country. The people are very nice here and everyone is so helpful. I know I will have a good time here,” he concluded.