Zach Clough loves living in Adelaide and playing with Adelaide United, and says feeling settled on and off the pitch has led to his strong run of form.
Clough on Wednesday recommitted to the Reds with a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the club until at least the end of the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Since arriving in February 2022, the Englishman has scored 11 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions.
The 28-year-old currently leads the A-League for score involvements with four goals to go with three assists in six games this season.
Speaking after his contract extension was announced, the Manchester-born midfielder explained his decision to recommit, the disappointment in the playing group after Monday’s loss to Macarthur, and the state of the Coopers Stadium pitch after the venue hosted the Foo Fighters at the weekend.
Zach Clough on signing a two-year contract extension with the Reds:
“I think it’s just come as a reward for all the hard work I’ve put in this preseason. We’ve been negotiating for a few weeks now so yes, happy to get it all done and sealed and to settle in Adelaide for longer is perfect for me and the family.
“The security of it – we’re expecting a baby boy this this year in March, so that was a big a big part of it for me, and also just the football. I really enjoy playing under Carl here. The club’s brilliant, I love playing here at Coopers, I just love being here.”
Zach Clough on his good form to start the season:
“I think I’m probably in the best ball for a long time, but I’m really enjoying football. I feel really good. Really happy off the pitch as well. Just enjoying it at the minute.
“I think it’s coming from the confidence in my body, the confidence in playing regular minutes last season. And towards the end of the year, I had a really good run of games. I think it just all falls into place. For me to know what I can do when I’m feeling fit and confident and hopefully I’m showing that to people as well now.”
Zach Clough on why he loves living in Adelaide:
“It’s such an easy city to live in. Close to the beach, close to the city. Everything’s here in Adelaide and I think Adelaide as a city is growing. The people here are really friendly – they’ll do anything for you, always willing to help. Everyone at the club is exactly the same as that, it’s such a good environment to be a part of.”
Zach Clough on his hopes for the club now that he has recommitted:
“I believe in myself, and I believe I can help lead this team and be a part of the senior boys here as I am growing up to be 29 this season. I enjoy playing with young players, I enjoy being around the young players because they make you feel younger, and I like to help nurture the young players and help them develop and go through good stages and bad stages of their careers.
“The belief that Carl’s had in me since I arrived there. I think he knew that the ability I had, which was going to shine when my body was right. And I think him showing me that belief in me makes me want to show my faith in Carl and the club and stay here for many years to come.”
Zach Clough on the feeling in the rooms after the disappointing 4-3 loss to Macarthur on Monday night:
“Very disappointed in the dressing room after the game. It was a tough place to be and it was silent. When you’re three-two up away from home with 10 minutes to play, you feel like you want to come away with all three points. To score three goals away from home as well, it’s tough to do, and we’ve done that two weeks in a row now and came away with three points when it should have been six really. We know we didn’t play our best this week but we’ll be looking forward to turning that around this weekend against Brisbane.”
Zach Clough on how the Coopers Stadium looks after the venue hosted the Foo Fighters concert last weekend:
“I think the pitch looks really good. It always does here at Coopers. The groundsman does a very good job and I’m sure the surface will be excellent as always.”
