Arsenal hero helped Boreham Wood star turn life around after prison stint

The Wood sealed a stunning 1-0 win against Championship side Bournemouth, securing the non-league side's place in the next round.

However despite the euphoria amongst the Hertfordshire team and fans after the final whistle, the Boreham Wood midfielder made sure to show his gratitude to one man in particular in his post-match interview.

"Thank you," an emotional Clifton said when asked what his message would be to Ian Wright, "Thank you, what more can I say.

"Thank you. There's hope, you know. When someone like Ian comes into a young man like myself's life and shows belief you can see how far it can go."

He continued: "For me it's a success story in turning my life around. Getting back to where I should've been or could've been when I was younger you know, so it's amazing the effect it's had on me."

So how did Wright turn the 33-year-old's life around?

Clifton began his footballing career at Arsenal, but was released at the age of 15 and later found himself in and out of prison with the prospect of playing football a distant memory.

That was until Wright came along to help turn his life around.

The pair met 13 years ago as part of the Gunners hero's Sky documentary titled 'Football Behind Bars', which focused on the former footballer helping out at a young offenders' institute in Dorset.

In the six-part series, Wright set up a football academy for the youngsters inside the juvenile prison, giving them a chance to realise what they could achieve if they were to choose a life away from crime.

And Clifton, who participated in the documentary whilst serving his third sentence, took the opportunity by the scruff of the neck.

Wright then helped Clifton get a trial for then-League Two side Wycombe Wanderers following his release and he later went on to sign for Romford.

Fast forward to 2022 and Clifton has risen to play in the National League, represent and score for his country Montserrat in World Cup qualifying and, now, play a pivotal role in Boreham Wood's cup run. A truly inspiring story.

Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast on Monday after a night of celebrations, Clifton said he was already excited for the next round and to face Premier League opposition.

"I'm happy with the draw," the Wood midfielder said, "Looking forward to playing against the likes of Yerry Mina, Richarlison, [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin, all these internationals that we watch in these major competitions.

"Can't wait to be honest. We did say we wanted a big Premier League away day, and we've got one".

Boreham Wood go in to the fifth round of the FA Cup as the lowest ranked side remaining in the competition - but a giant-killing is always a possibility.