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Tom Clarke (footballer, born 1987)

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For other footballers of this name, see Tom Clarke (Australian footballer) and Thomas Clarke (footballer).

Tom Clarke
Clarke in 2016
Personal information
Full name Thomas Clarke[1]
Date of birth (1987-12-21) 21 December 1987 (age 36)[2]
Place of birth Halifax, England
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2]
Position(s) Defender / Midfielder
Youth career
0000–2005 Huddersfield Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2013 Huddersfield Town 97 (3)
2008 → Halifax Town (loan) 7 (1)
2008 → Bradford City (loan) 6 (0)
2011 → Leyton Orient (loan) 10 (0)
2013–2020 Preston North End 211 (12)
2020–2021 Salford City 30 (2)
2021–2022 Fleetwood Town 35 (2)
2022–2023 Halifax Town 8 (0)
Total 396 (20)
International career
2005 England U18 1 (0)
2005–2006 England U19 2 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Thomas Clarke (born 21 December 1987) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender or midfielder. He played for Huddersfield Town, Preston North End and Salford City. Clarke is a former England youth international, having represented England at both under-18 and under-19 level.

Club career

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Huddersfield Town

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Breakthrough to first team

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Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire,[2] Clarke is a product of the Huddersfield academy. Clarke's older brother, Nathan Clarke, is also a professional footballer previously with Huddersfield. Tom signed his first professional contract in January 2005. His debut came against the MK Dons. Clarke scored his first goal for The Terriers in a 2–0 win over Blackpool at the Galpharm Stadium in January 2006.

Clarke made his first start of the 2006–07 season coming on as a 61st-minute substitute replacing Danny Adams, in a 2–0 loss away at Crewe Alexandra on 2 September. He made his first start of the season on 9 September in a 2–0 loss away at Cheltenham Town. He ruptured a ligament in his left knee during Huddersfield Town's League One home match against Carlisle United, on 14 October 2006 forcing him to sit out most of the 2006–07 season.

Clarke joined Conference Premier club Halifax Town on loan on 21 February 2008, in a bid to regain match practice. He made his debut for the Shaymen in their 0–0 draw at The Shay against Stafford Rangers on 23 February. His first goal for the club came in their 3–1 win over Histon at Bridge Road on 8 March.

He returned to Huddersfield on 23 March and made his first appearance since returning in Huddersfield's 1–0 win over Tranmere Rovers on 19 April.

2008–09 season

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He signed on a month-long loan with League Two club Bradford City in October 2008.[3] He made his debut the following day against Grimsby Town, when he came on as a first-half substitute for Omar Daley, following defender Matthew Clarke's sending off. City were leading 1–0 at the time and won the game 3–1.[4] He made his full debut in a 1–0 victory over Bury on 29 October.[5] With a number of injuries, Bradford extended his loan spell for a second month, with Huddersfield caretaker manager Gerry Murphy able to recall him at 24 hours' notice.[6] Murphy recalled Clarke on 3 December following a training ground injury to left-back Joe Skarz.[7] Clarke's last game for City was their FA Cup exit to Leyton Orient four days previously;[8] he also played six league games for City.[9] Following the injury sustained by regular right-back Andy Holdsworth, Clarke found himself back in the first-team frame under Lee Clark and scored his first away goal for Huddersfield in a 2–1 win at Glanford Park against Scunthorpe United on 10 April 2009.[10]

2009–10 season

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After fighting his way back from injury, Tom picked up where he left off in the 2009–10 season enjoying his best run in the team in central midfield under Lee Clark during the 2009–10 campaign. Bad luck struck again when he suffered a repeat injury to his knee against Millwall in the first leg of the end of season Play-Offs, as Huddersfield went on to lose the second leg away at Millwall and as a result missing out on the chance of promotion.[11]

2011–12 season & promotion

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On 9 September 2011, Clarke signed for fellow League One club Leyton Orient on a 93-day emergency loan.[12] He made 12 appearances, before his loan expired on 12 December.

Clarke returned from his loan spell at Leyton Orient in December 2011, his first game of the season for Huddersfield came in the club's 1–0 boxing day win over Chesterfield on 26 December 2011 when he came on for left back Gary Naysmith. His first start of the season came in the club's 2–2 draw away at Notts County on 2 January 2012. Clarke became the club's starting left back during the third quarter of the season due to injured Gary Naysmith March and April 2012 until he was himself pushed out of the team by Calum Woods.[13] Clarke was though used during the latter stages of the season in his more familiar role in the midfield mostly being used as a substitute. He played in both legs of Huddersfield's play-off semi final against MK Dons coming on as a 51st-minute substitute for left back Callum Woods in the first leg way at Stadium MK which Huddersfield won 2–0, and was an 88th-minute sub for winger Kallum Higginbotham in the second leg at home as Huddersfield progressed to the final. Clark made 16 appearances for Huddersfield during the 2011–12 season,[14] as Huddersfield finished the season as Play-off champions winning promotion to the Championship after beating Sheffield United on penalties in the Wembley final.[15]

2012–13 season

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Clarke signed a new one-year contract, committing himself to the Huddersfield Town until the summer of 2013 on 28 June 2012 making him the longest serving current player at the club.[16]

On 6 May 2013, it was confirmed that Clarke was to be released from the club when his existing contract ended in the summer, bringing an end to his eight-year stay with his home town club.[17]

Preston North End

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It was announced on 22 May 2013 that Clarke had signed for Preston North End on a two-year contract.[18]

On 5 August 2013 in only his second appearance for Preston, Clarke scored a magnificent late winner in the 87th minute to defeat Blackpool in a derby game at Deepdale. [19]

Salford City

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Clarke signed for League Two club Salford City on 14 July 2020 on a two-year deal.[20] On 15 May 2021, Salford announced he would be released[21] despite having a year left on his contract.

Fleetwood Town

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On 14 June 2021, Clarke joined Fleetwood Town on a one-year deal.[22] A one-year contract extension was triggered at the end of the 2021–22 season.[23]

FC Halifax Town

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On 30 July 2022, it was announced that Clarke had signed for his hometown club, FC Halifax Town.

On 4 September 2023, Clarke announced his retirement from football following a persistent knee injury.[24]

International career

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An England international, Clarke has represented England at international youth level, being capped at both under 18s and under 19s level. He earned two caps for the under 19s scoring once between 2006 and 2005.

Personal life

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Clarke's older brother, Nathan Clarke, was also a professional footballer.

Career statistics

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As of end of 2021–22 season
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Huddersfield Town 2004–05[25] League One 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0
2005–06[26] League One 17 1 1 0 1 0 1[a] 0 20 1
2006–07[27] League One 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0
2007–08[28] League One 3 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 4 0
2008–09[29] League One 15 1 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 16 1
2009–10[30] League One 22 0 2 0 1 0 1[b] 0 26 0
2010–11[31] League One 5 1 2 0 0 0 1[a] 0 8 1
2011–12[14] League One 14 0 0 0 0 0 2[b] 0 16 0
2012–13[32] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 1 0
Huddersfield Town total 97 3 5 0 3 0 7 0 112 3
Halifax Town (loan) 2007–08[28] Conference Premier 7 1 0 0 — 0 0 7 1
Bradford City (loan) 2008–09[29] League Two 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
Leyton Orient (loan) 2011–12[14] League One 10 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 12 0
Preston North End 2013–14[33] League One 42 4 5 1 2 1 3[c] 0 52 6
2014–15[34] League One 43 1 5 0 2 0 8[d] 1 58 2
2015–16[35] Championship 35 0 1 0 2 0 — 38 0
2016–17[36] Championship 42 4 1 0 3 0 — 46 4
2017–18[37] Championship 18 2 2 0 0 0 — 20 2
2018–19[38] Championship 21 1 0 0 1 0 — 22 1
2019–20[39] Championship 10 0 0 0 1 0 — 11 0
Preston North End total 211 12 14 1 11 1 11 1 247 15
Salford City 2020–21[40] League Two 30 2 1 0 1 0 1[a] 0 35 2
Fleetwood Town 2021–22[41] League One 35 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 36 2
Career total 396 20 23 1 16 1 19 1 456 23

Honours

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Huddersfield Town

Preston North End

Salford City

FC Halifax Town

Individual

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e Appearance in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ a b Appearance(s) in League One play-offs
  3. ^ One appearance in Football League Trophy, two League One play-offs
  4. ^ Five appearances and one goal in Football League Trophy, three appearances in League One play-offs

References

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  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Salford City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 61. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 86. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  3. ^ "Huddersfield's Clarke joins City". BBC Sport. 23 October 2008. Retrieved 23 October 2008.
  4. ^ "Grimsby 1–3 Bradford". BBC Sport. 24 October 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2008.
  5. ^ Craven, Dave (29 October 2008). "City fans sing Conlon's praises". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  6. ^ "Clarke extends Bradford loan deal". BBC Sport. 26 November 2008. Retrieved 26 November 2008.
  7. ^ Thomson, Dougie (4 December 2008). "Clarke back in Town after Skarz injury". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  8. ^ "Terriers recall Bradford's Clarke". BBC Sport. 3 December 2008. Retrieved 3 December 2008.
  9. ^ "Tom Clarke". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 December 2008.
  10. ^ "Scunthorpe 1–2 Huddersfield". BBC Sport. 10 April 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
  11. ^ "Tom Clarke". Huddersfield Town. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  12. ^ "TOM CLARKE JOINS ORIENT ON LOAN". htafc.com. 9 September 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  13. ^ "Tom Clarke aims to make Huddersfield Town left-back slot his own - Huddersfield Examiner". Examiner.co.uk. 31 March 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  14. ^ a b c "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  15. ^ "Match Report". htafc.com. 26 May 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  16. ^ "Clarke extends Town stay". htafc.com. 28 June 2012. Archived from the original on 29 June 2012.
  17. ^ "Huddersfield Town issue retained list". Huddersfield Examiner. 6 May 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  18. ^ "Preston North End sign Tom Clarke after Huddersfield release". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  19. ^ Fletcher, Paul (5 August 2013). "Preston 1-0 Blackpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  20. ^ "Salford sign ex-Preston defender Clarke". BBC Sport.
  21. ^ Salford City: Retained and released 2020-21
  22. ^ "Experienced defender Tom Clarke signs deal with Town". Fleetwood Town.
  23. ^ "Extension triggered as Clarke earns new contract with Town". www.fleetwoodtownfc.com. 5 May 2022.
  24. ^ "Tom Clarke Retires". fchalifaxtown.com. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  25. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  26. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  27. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  28. ^ a b "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  29. ^ a b "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  30. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
    "Brighton 0 Huddersfield Town 0: Town forced to settle for point". Yorkshire Post. Leeds. 10 February 2010. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  31. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  32. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  33. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  34. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  35. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  36. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  37. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  38. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  39. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  40. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  41. ^ "Games played by Tom Clarke in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  42. ^ Begley, Emlyn (26 May 2012). "Huddersfield 0–0 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 22 January 2016.
  43. ^ Middleton, Nathan (24 May 2015). "Preston North End 4–0 Swindon Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
  44. ^ Williams, Adam (13 March 2021). "Portsmouth 0–0 Salford City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  45. ^ "Jamie Cooke nets winner as FC Halifax seal Isuzu FA Trophy glory". The FA. 21 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  46. ^ "League One Team of the Year: Five Bristol City players selected". BBC Sport. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
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