Former Chelsea trainee Billy Clifford joins Boreham Wood

Conference side Boreham Wood have secured the services of Billy Clifford.

The midfielder started his career with Chelsea, although he did not make a senior appearances for the Blues, despite having been included on the bench for a Champions League tie against Spartak Moscow.

The 22-year-old played for Walsall last term, but following his recent release, Clifford has now agreed a move to Meadow Park.

"I knew very little of Billy Clifford until last week but his pedigree is clearly evident. We invited him in to train, play a couple of games as I wanted to have a good look at him," Wood manager Ian Allinson told the club's official website.

"I knew after the first training session that he was technically at another level but I needed to see if he was hungry and in truth he's also been excellent in the games.

"Signing him was a no-brainer and sometimes players just need people to believe in them to rebuild their careers and with Billy Clifford we can help him get back on track very quickly."

Clifford won the FA Youth Cup in 2010 during his time at Stamford Bridge.