Taunton born, Charlie Clough, has 8 goals this season

Plying his trade in the Brunei Super League, Clough has truly been in a rich vein of goalscoring form.

Representing DPMM since 2019, Clough has enjoyed a league title for the club already, he says his goals record is down to his will to win.

“I have been having some luck in front of goal this season, I think it is purely down to my drive to win every game.”

“I score a lot of my goals from corners, I feel like my height helps that, but I have always been strong in the air, I try to win every ball.”

“I guess I am the top scoring English player so far this season, hopefully I can keep it up!”

For now, though, the Brunei Super League has been put on hold due to COVID issues, as the virus has begun to spread in Brunei.

This isn’t the first time this has happened either; with the Singapore League and the Brunei Super League both being suspended for the entirety of last season.

Clough’s club, DPMM usually compete in the Singapore League, in fact they are the reigning champions, however due to travel restrictions they must play in their local Brunei league this season.

“2020 was tough, we were ready to defend our title, but instead we spent the year training in small groups and no matches at all,” Clough said.

“I flew to Singapore right before the lockdown, and then I was stuck there for two months due to COVID travel restrictions.”

“I think all the boys just wanted to get back playing football, so even though it is in the Brunei League this year, we are just happy to be playing again.”

Charlie grew up in Blackbrook in Taunton, first playing football for Heathfield Lions before joining Bristol Rovers at 14 years of age.

He went on to make his senior debut for Bristol at 17 before multiple loan spells showed him the harsh reality of pro football.

He ended up playing part time for Dorchester Town whilst also holding down a scaffolding job in Wellington.

“In the early years I took it easy and getting released going part time, it really kicked me on and made me grow up.”

“I pushed myself and worked hard to get back to pro level.”

Which he did, playing for Sutton United, Forest Green Rovers and Barnet all before joining DPMM in Brunei.

A strange decision it may seem, but Clough says it was the best decision he ever made.

“Moving here to Brunei is the best decision I have ever made career wise.”

“It has changed me as person and a player, I have made friends I never thought I would have and playing in this climate has added a couple of years onto my career easily.”

“It has been a really good experience and I am happy here,” Clough said.

The DPMM captain was lucky enough to get back to Taunton for Christmas last year and says he always enjoys coming home.

“I always enjoy getting home, see my old friends and my family, the only downside is the cold weather.”

“Every time I go back, me and the boys get over to Ring of Bells pub in Taunton, it’s our favourite pub,” Clough said.

Charlie will look to continue his goalscoring form when their season restarts, however there isn’t a date set for return just yet.

One thing that is certain, he currently is one of, if not the highest scoring Englishman in world football this season so far.