UD Oliva’s first English president, Bernard Baker, and child prodigy turned pro, Clay Bond (photo), talk about their hopes for the future of this up-and-coming football club.

It may not be up there in lights with Barça or Valencia, but UD Oliva is heading for a great future. If it reaches its goal, the club could put this small La Safor market town on the footballing map.

thinkSPAIN|today reporter, Samantha Kett, spoke to talented Clay Bond whose career with the burgeoning club kicked off on the day of his 19th birthday, Friday December 15, and to UD Oliva’s president Bernard Baker.

Both men have created history by being not only the first English people – but the first non-Spanish nationals – to become involved with the team. They hope to see more expatriates supporting a club of which they are immensely proud.

thinkSPAINtoday: Congratulations on your new posts. What is your background in the game?

Bernard Baker: I played football throughout my youth, and then became director of Gillingham FC, where I was chairman for two years. My right-hand man, Bill Williams, was an under-21 England player. He’s played with Terry Venables and Martin Peters on the England Youth side and has managed clubs in South Africa, the States and the UK. He won championships for South Africa and the USA, for Teddy Turman.

Clay Bond: I started playing at the age of seven, then was signed up by Torquay United at nine. I was with them until the age of 16 when they offered me a professional contract.

TST: That’s amazing.
CB: But I turned it down.

TST: You did what?!
CB: Yes, I wanted to go on to a bigger club, so I joined Plymouth Argyle where I signed a two-year contract. At the end of that I signed another for three months but was ‘let go’ at the end of it. After that I played in Sweden for three months. Don’t know if you know the team, it’s FC Berg, in the third division. Then I got the chance to come to Spåin for a trial – and here I am now!

TST: Is this the first time there has been an English signing – or an English president – for the club?
BB: I only became President on November 27 and Clay is my first signing. This is the first year that expatriates have been allowed to play in the 3rd Division – in the past, they’ve only been able to play in La Liga.

TST: How is Oliva doing at the moment?
BB: We’re mid-table, but we want to improve the playing side. Hence Clay. Our results are up and down, but we’re looking for sponsors – particularly for Clay, our first English player – but of course for the rest of the squad, too. We’re looking for sponsors keen to join in a partnership. Oliva’s on the brink of a brand new era.

TST: What are your plans for the future?
BB: I want to take Oliva to Segunda B and turn it into a full-time professional club; improve the ground and facilities; link it with the community and bring youth players under the wing of the club. I’m hoping to appoint a full-time community officer at some point.

CB: Well, just to play as highly as possible, really; just to play as well as I can – but first, I want to help get Oliva into the 2nd Division. Obviously, I’d like to play for England, but I don’t suppose that will ever happen! Or for Arsenal, because I’m an Arsenal supporter. Really, though, just to play my best.

TST: Is there an active supporters’ club?
BB: Not at the moment. We do have a members’ club, but it’s a private club because we don’t get any funding off the local authorities. We’re keen to get more expats involved, though, particularly English members.

TST: Is a supporters’ club on the cards for the future?
BB: Oh, yes. It’s one of the things we’re aiming for.

TST: In football’s celebrity hall of fame, which player, manager or trainer do you really admire?
BB: From my era, Bobby Moore – I’m a West Ham supporter.
CB: I’ve really got to say Paul Gascoigne, haven’t I. He was absolutely unbelievable -when he was sober! And Tony Adams. I’m a lifelong Arsenal supporter and Tony Adams WAS Mr Arsenal. He was a brilliant leader.

TST: What are your hopes for the club?
CB: We hope to get more people to watch the game and get more fans. Maybe more English fans, as well. And again, if anyone would be kind enough to sponsor me, it would be greatly appreciated.

TST: And your long-term goals?
CB: Just to play as well as possible – and hopefully to take Oliva up a new gear.
BB: He’s the next Beckham.

Clay shrugs off the compliment with his habitual modesty. However, his impressive curriculum vitae shows that he is a young talent to be reckoned with, and if anyone will take Oliva up to the next level, it’s Clay. One thing is certain – Plymouth Argyle’s loss is certainly UD Oliva’s gain.

Can you offer sponsorship for UD Oliva? Would you like to be part of a promising young player’s future? Contact Angie (619 434 645) or Kev (630 941 742).

For match fixtures, contact Paco at the club on 679 171 103 or check out the sports’ pages of thinkSPAIN|today.