Resignation puts Woodward in spotlight

Clive Woodward’s role at Coca-Cola Championship side Southampton is back under the spotlight following the resignation of his right-hand man Simon Clifford.

Clifford has quit his role as head of sports science after reportedly upsetting Saints officials with a recent article in the local press questioning coaching methods and suggesting footballers do not train hard enough.

His departure is a disappointment to performance director Woodward, who was behind the appointment of the 34-year-old former primary schoolteacher less than three months ago, as well as chairman Rupert Lowe, who has been at pains to stress all is well behind the scenes at St Mary’s.

Woodward and manager Harry Redknapp staged a press conference in September in a bid to end speculation concerning their relationship, at which England’s rugby World Cup-winning coach defended the appointment of Clifford and South African sports vision expert Sherylle Calder.

Woodward denied Clifford had been forced out of the club, however, telling www.saintsfc.co.uk: “The recent rumours are totally untrue. Simon has not been sacked or forced out in any way.

“It was his decision and I am very sorry to see him go.”

Clifford, the man who famously took Brazilian legend Socrates to his non-league side Garforth Town, added: “I was very excited about coming to Southampton and I was hoping to work with Clive for many years.

“But unfortunately it has proved impossible to combine that with my other projects.”