SKY Blues fans may be more accustomed to seeing Clinton Morrison as a likeable pundit on their TV screens, but the former striker is maintaining his presence on the football field too after signing for Redditch United.
The 37-year-old, who scored 21 goals in 91 appearances during a two-year spell at the Ricoh Arena, has extended his playing career at Redditch United who are based in the Southern League Premier Division.
It is a quite a drop for Morrison, who last season was plying his trade at League Two side Exeter, but the former Republic of Ireland star is determined to play a role for close friend Byfield at the Valley Stadium.
“I’m not here to mess about, not at all,” said Morrison. “I love playing football still and will be helping with the coaching at Redditch as well.
“I had numerous other offers from clubs at higher levels but this is a really good move for me.
“Signing for Redditch works well because my partner and kids are in Nottingham with me and it means I’m only coming an hour or so down the road for home matches.
“I have known Darren a long time and am delighted to join Redditch and try and help the manager and the lads enjoy a successful season.
“Obviously there’s been quite a few departures recently after the previous manager left but Darren has already brought some good players in and is working hard to ensure more follow.
“If having me here helps attract a few more to come, then that’s all the better for the manager, and I will be passing on my knowledge and experience to all of the boys.”
Morrison, who has joined on non-contract terms, revealed his move into media work is an ever-increasing personal focus of his, and it will take priority over the course of the season.
“I’ve been doing quite a bit of work for the media and Sky in particular recently and obviously the longevity of football isn’t the greatest, so my media commitments are important to me now,” he said.
“I am really enjoying the media stuff and this could be a big thing for me for many years to come so I will have commitments there which may hamper my availability from time to time and the gaffer knows this, but I will do my best to juggle the two as best as I can.”
Morrison began his career at his local side Crystal Palace in 1998 and scored more than 100 goals across two spells for the Eagles.
Sandwiched in between was a spell at the Blues for whom Morrison made 87 appearances and scored 14 goals in the Premier League between 2002 and 2005 as he formed a good partnership with England forward Emile Heskey in the latter part of his time at St Andrew’s.
Morrison went on to make 91 appearances for Coventry City and also played more than 50 games for both Sheffield Wednesday and Colchester United.
He represented the Republic of Ireland 36 times at full international level – scoring nine goals – and made their squad for the 2002 World Cup.
