Like other teams, Boro’ had business to do come the end of the January 2022 transfer window; adding young full-back Bailey Clements to the squad. The player joined us on loan from League One side (at the time) Ipswich Town and brought more cover to our defence until the end of the 2021-2 campaign. And it was yet another move made by Paul Tisdale during that window to lift us further up the table, having enjoyed a successful month in which we went five unbeaten.

That little spurt of form is neither here nor there as far as the signing of Clements is concerned. As long as he didn’t bring that run to an end with an own goal or a crazy tackle in the area, you wouldn’t have any complaints at all. His role? Well, Boro’ certainly had some options at the left side of defence. But we’d already strengthened the right hand side earlier in January 2022. So, why not the left too? In came Clements and his impact was muted to say the least. In fact, it was a case of a few appearances and then never to be seen again in Boro’ colours.

Hardly a momentous loan. Hardly Paul Tisdale’s best move in the transfer market.

Bailey Clements: Before Boro’

Boro’ would be Clements’ most senior assignment as a pro footballer. Well, maybe not. He had turned out for the Tractor Boys, so we’re stretching the truth a bit there. But certainly as far as potential regular action is concerned, we’re telling the truth. He did spend some time just down the road at Hemel Hempstead Town in November 2019. And Dagenham & Redbridge were then next to make use of his developing talents in January 2020.

A league debut for Ipswich followed in November 2021. But the pathway to regular action was somewhat blocked. So, we were the next platform on which to show the world what he can do.