Tuesday night was the 66th and final game for Clapton CFC for Cameron Gordon, who is moving to Australia. Cameron has been with us for three season, scoring 22 goals – half of them from off the bench – along with 15 assists. Sadly the fairytale ending of a final goal didn’t quite work out, but he was part of the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team which recorded a first win in the Essex Senior Football League against Saffron Walden Town.

Manager Geoff Ocran paid tribute in his programme notes: “A player for the big occasions including the crucial third goal in the play-off final last season. Someone who has bought into what the club represents on and off the field and will be sorely missed in the dressing room. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Here Cameron looks back on his time with the club…

Could you tell us where you’re going and what you’re up to?

Me and my partner are moving to Sydney in January. We’re doing a bit of travel beforehand around Southeast Asia. It’s a big move that’s been in the back of my mind for months and now it’s finally here, which is quite daunting but really exciting. I’ll be gutted to miss this place.

I’m really excited. It’s something we’ve got to do before we get a little bit older and settle down. It’s going to be sad to leave this place because this club definitely holds a special place in my heart, with a lot of great memories.

Do you have any plans to continue playing in Sydney?

I’d love to, definitely. Body permitting! I’m still not sure what the football pyramid looks like out there. I’ve done a little bit of research, but once we settle down somewhere, hopefully I’ll find a club and get back up to speed. I definitely want to carry on playing as long as I can, until the body properly gives out.

You’ve scored some important goals down the years. What is your favourite?

It’s got to be the play-off final. Rivalled with, if we throw it back, the dark days of SCEFL. I scored a 93rd-minute winner against Lewisham Borough here on a Tuesday night in the rain. Big knee slides all round. That would probably be second.

But you can’t beat scoring on that amazing day in front of an incredible crowd. I don’t think many moments will top that. That would probably be my favourite moment in football. 

What’s been your highlight of the time at the club?

Before I came to Clapton, I’d had a year and a half off with a major injury. I’d moved to East London and, from the word go, I was made to feel welcome by Geoff, Sham, Jack and the team. Everyone made me feel really welcome. They weren’t pressuring me. They gave me the space to train and get up to speed because, being out for 18 months, I needed that.

Once I finally stepped foot here at the Dog, the fans, and everyone around the club, it’s what I play football for: the sense of community. This club is always going to mean something special to me.

In terms of individual moments, of course, the cup final. What an incredible day that was, and then to top it by going up the next year. It’s been nice to be at a club where we’re fighting for things. This season might look a little bit different, but I think we’ll be fine to stay up.

What will you miss the most?

I love playing at home. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that we go away and we have at least 20, 30, 40 strong. Going on a crisp November away day, no matter the result, you’ve got people making the commitment to come down. That doesn’t go unnoticed. I might miss the old Cameron Gordon chant going around, but that’s very selfish!

Any final words?

Honestly, thank you, mainly. Thank you to the staff for being so welcoming and bringing me on, and to the whole club for being so welcoming and for what the club stands for.

I would have liked to have played more games. It’s been a bit of an injury-hit last three years, but I’ve felt welcome and wanted here. It’s probably been the best stint of my football career.

Rob Stafford