Former Gillingham manager Stephen Clemence returns to football, securing a new role as head coach of League 2 Barrow just 32 days after his departure from Priestfield.
Clemence, who was relieved of his duties at Gillingham after a tenure of 180 days, has swiftly transitioned to Barrow. His appointment sets the stage for a potential face-off with Mark Bonner, the new Gillingham boss who succeeded him.
Having joined Gillingham in November 2023 as Neil Harris’ permanent replacement, Clemence steered the team to a 12th-place finish last season, falling short of the club’s playoff ambitions. His departure from Gillingham occurred shortly after the season’s conclusion.
In a statement earlier this month, Clemence expressed his disappointment at leaving Gillingham, citing improvements in performance and playing style. He thanked his coaching staff, players, and expressed confidence in the club’s future success.
Clemence has now inked a two-year deal with Barrow, marking a new chapter in his managerial career. Barrow praised his coaching experience and his impact on Gillingham’s performance during his tenure.
The move comes on the heels of Barrow parting ways with manager Pete Wild, who guided them to eighth place last season. The club cited differing perspectives on the way forward as the reason for their mutual agreement to part ways with Wild.
