Former Chelsea midfielder Clifford signs for Crawley Town

This follows his the 23-year-old’s successful pre-season trial.

Head coach Dermot Drummy said: “I know Billy from my time at Chelsea and I am aware what he is capable of and the qualities he has. He can play in the system we prefer and has lots of ability.

“This is a great chance for him. I have been impressed with him over the last few weeks and I think he can be a part of what we are trying to achieve at the club.”

Clifford signed for Chelsea at the age of eight, and turned professional with them in 2010.

He then went out on loan to Colchester in January 2013 for a month.

The midfielder impressed during his time at the Essex club, and the deal was extended to the end of the season - he ended the loan spell having made 18 appearances and helped the U’s avoid relegation that season from England’s third tier.

He left Chelsea in the summer of 2014, and he signed with Walsall on a six-month contract. In the Midlands he made 13 league appearances before leaving the club in January 2015.

Last season he spent the campaign at Boreham Wood, where he made 21 appearances in the National League and helped them to avoid the drop.

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