BILLY Clifford is aiming to push Billericay Town into the Football League.

Clifford has joined the National League South pacesetters from Hemel Hempstead Town and was named man of the match after making his debut in the 2-1 Essex Senior Cup third round win over Concord Rangers.

Despite coming through the ranks at Chelsea and featuring the Football League for the likes of Walsall and Crawley Town, Clifford is aware it will be difficult to break into Dean Brennan’s favoured starting line-up.

“I want to play as many games as I can,” said the 26-year-old.

“Billericay are in winning form and top of the league so, first and foremost, I need to train hard and get myself into the team.

“I want to be part of the journey because the club has come a long way in such a short space of time.

“It would be great to be a part of that success.

“I’m at that stage of my career now where I want to be successful and get myself back into the Football League.

“The ambition of the owner and the club, in wanting to get into the Football League, is where I see myself.

“I want to push on, win promotion and see where we go from there.”

Brennan admitted he worked tirelessly to sign Clifford while he was in charge of Hemel.

But, shortly after the central midfielder made the move to Hemel, Brennan was installed as the new manager at the AGP Arena.

Having been reunited with Brennan, Clifford confirmed the boss was instrumental in him wanting to join Billericay.

Clifford added: “Dean was a big reason for me wanting to come to Billericay.

“I joined Hemel four or five games into the season and I already knew Deano from my time in football.

“It was at a time when I needed to get back to playing and enjoying my football.

“He is very enthusiastic and gave me that hunger and desire to get back on my feet and playing again after a disappointing season at Crawley Town.

“Deano was definitely a big reason for me wanting to come here, but I was also attracted by the club’s ambition. Where the club wants to go was massive for me.”

And Clifford, who is cup-tied for Billericay’s FA Cup first round tie at Chesterfield this weekend, was pleased to play his part in the midweek win over Concord.

He said: “I’ve had one session with the lads, so I was thrown in at the deep end but I think that can be good.”