David Cluett Explained

David Cluett
Birth Date:2 August 1965
Birth Place:Sliema, Malta
Death Place:England
Position:Goalkeeper
Years1:1983–1986
Caps1:33
Goals1:0
Years2:1986–1999
Caps2:160
Goals2:0
Years3:1999–2000
Clubs3:Gozo
Caps3:17
Goals3:0
Years4:2000–2001
Caps4:6
Goals4:0
Years5:2001–2002
Caps5:8
Goals5:0
Totalcaps:224
Totalgoals:0
Nationalyears1:1987–1996
Nationalteam1:Malta
Nationalcaps1:69
Nationalgoals1:0

David Cluett (2 August 1965  - 17 July 2005) was a Maltese professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Cluett is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Maltese football. His best years were those at Floriana F.C. with whom he won a number of honours.

Club career

Melita

Cluett started his career with St Julians side Melita F.C., in 1979. Cluett spent one season there.

Floriana

In 1986, Cluett moved to Floriana F.C. During his time with the Greens Cluett fast became a fan favorite, with his dominating figure between the posts helped lead the club to a new era of honours. During his 13-year spell with Floriana he went on to win all domestic honours. His best phase with the club was most definitely between 1992 and 1994 winning the triple crown in the first season. The following season Cluett went on to set a national record, 736 minutes without conceding a goal, Floriana went on to win three domestic honours that season.

Last footballing years

After Floriana, Cluett had two short spells with Birkirkara F.C. and Gozo F.C. before returning to play for Floriana. Following his retirement from football Cluett worked with Msida Saint-Joseph F.C. as a goalkeeping coach.

International career

On 29 March 1987, Cluett made his international debut in a 2–2 draw against Portugal. In total he won 69 caps for Malta,[1] the last on being on 27 March 1996 in 1–0 away defeat to Macedonia.[2]

Death

On 17 July 2005, Cluett died after a long battle against a serious illness.[3]

Honours

Floriana

Individual

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Appearances for Malta National Team. 28 July 2024. RSSSF.
  2. Web site: David Cluett, international football player. 28 July 2024. EU-football.info.
  3. Web site: 2005-07-18 . Former Malta goalkeeper Cluett dies, aged 39 . 2023-10-25 . Times of Malta . en-gb.