Paul Clement idolised Dave, his England footballer father. Then, aged 10, his world changed | OneFootball

Paul Clement, now Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant with Brazil for this summer’s World Cup, is reflecting on legacy and loss. Central is his father Dave, the formidable QPR and England full-back.

According to NY Times, his office brims with medals and shirts from Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern and PSG, plus a memento of Madrid’s 2014 Champions League. Yet the most prized items are Dave’s England shirt and five caps.

Clement’s childhood memories are fragmentary, from waiting at training grounds to a fitness obsessed father setting relentless standards. He recalls the pride of being watched at school matches and the intensity around match days.

A morning in 1982 brought chaos at home, a day off school and a dazed walk around London Zoo. Only later did the 10-year-old grasp that his father had died.

Dave won his fifth and final England cap in February 1977 at 29. After 472 QPR appearances he joined Bolton in 1979, later moving to Wimbledon. He broke a leg in January 1982 and was found dead two months later in Battersea. The coroner ruled suicide.

Since Munich in 1958, only Laurie Cunningham and Clement have died as full England internationals while still active. Paul says awareness of mental health is improving, but the professional game can be unforgiving for those battling depression or anxiety.

From PE teacher to elite coach, Clement rose through Fulham and Chelsea before following Ancelotti to PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern, then Brazil. He believes his father would be proud, and he chooses to remember the man, not the ending.

Source: NY Times