Clarke Goes North To Darlo

The news that Clarke was released comes as a bit of a shock to myself and probably will to the rest of the Town faithful, but the fact that Clarke has signed for someone else is not much of a surprise.

It was only last month that Clarke spoke to the Yorkshire Sport (here) expressing his disappointed at the position he found himself in.

When all the senior players of the first team were released when the club went into administration, Clarke was the only first team regular to be kept by the Shaymen. It was hoped that some sort of deal would be sorted with Blackpool to take Clarke across the Pennines to join back up with his brother who was an instant hit at Bloomfield Road.

But the bid never came from Blackpool and Clarke was left in limbo. In the Yorkshire Sport he revealed that he had pleaded with the Shaymen to release him from his contract so that he could fix himself up with a club before the start of the season.

His wish seems to have come true at the end of last month with the administrator releasing him from his contract. Another surprise is that Clarke has ended up the A1 at Darlington instead of out west at Blackpool.

So what can Darlo expect from Clarkie?

A lanky footballer who started his career as a striker. He played about 18 games as striker for Halifax Town without scoring in which he was then moved into the centre of defence. Ironically Clarke then scored his first ever goal for the club in his first match in defence.

A solid defender who makes good use of his long legs when executing a sliding tackle. Not too strong in the air, but he has plenty of potential as long as he receives good coaching.

I would like to wish Matthew Clarke all the best for the future.