Darrell Clarke
Encyclopedia
Darrell James Clarke is an English
football midfielder
, now player-manager for Conference South
side Salisbury City
. He spent twelve years as a professional in The Football League
.
His career began with Mansfield Town
in 1995, where he spent the first six years of his career, making 161 league appearances. In 2001 he transferred to Hartlepool United
, where he spent another six years, racking up 123 appearances in the league. He was sent out on loan to Stockport County
, Port Vale
, and Rochdale
in the final years of his spell. In 2007 he left the professional game to sign for Salisbury City, before taking up the management position at the club in 2010. He led the club to promotion into the Conference South
in his first season as manager.
when he joined their youth set up at the age of just ten. He made his way through the ranks and was offered a professional contract at the club in 1995. While at Mansfield he became a fan favourite, partly because he was a home grown talent. He made over 150 league and cup appearances for the club, scoring 27 goals. As his contract ran to its end, he attracted the attention of several other clubs and he was offered a contract at Hartlepool United
by Chris Turner. Clarke found it difficult to leave Field Mill
but believed that a new move could kick start his career and stop him from becoming stale.
, but Hartlepool still had to pay £80,000 as he was under 24. He was seen by many as the replacement for Tommy Miller
. Clarke originally failed to cement his place in the starting 11 and found himself in and out of the team, making 26 league starts and 9 substitute appearances. However he still managed to score 7 league goals, including a hat-trick
in a 7–1 win over Swansea City
.
The following season was much more successful for Clarke as he played in nearly all of Hartlepool’s matches and added another seven goals to his tally in Hartlepool’s promotion winning campaign. The arrival of manager Neale Cooper saw Clarke’s opportunities in the first team in 2003–04 limited, as Eifion Williams
was preferred on the right wing. Clarke only started 23 league matches, but he still managed to make a further 12 substitute appearances.
In the 2004–05 season, Clarke suffered a knee injury that prevented him from taking part in any of Hartlepool’s league games. However, he did make an appearance for Stockport County
during a loan spell, but this was cut short as Clarke picked up another knee problem. In September 2005 Clarke was loaned to Port Vale
, again just playing the one game. His appearances were again limited once he returned to Hartlepool. In July 2006 he was loaned to Rochdale
, where he made 12 appearances. He was released by 'Pool in May 2007.
outfit Salisbury City
. He was strongly influenced by former team mate Tommy Widdrington
to make the switch South, and was the third signing made by Nick Holmes
. He helped the club avoid relegation in the 2008–09 season, which was a good achievement for the club.
At the beginning of the 2009–10
season he became Salisbury's most senior player and was duly given the captain's armband by Widdrington, who had recently been appointed manager. He captained the club to a mid-table finish, however Salisbury were demoted down into the Southern League Premier Division as punishment for their severe financial problems.
left Salisbury City
for the job of assistant manager at Southend United
. As a result of this, Clarke became joint caretaker-manager beside Mikey Harris. The next month he was made player-manager on a permanent basis, with Harris as his assistant. After his first season
, The Whites won promotion from the Southern League Premier Division via the play-offs, winning 3–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw with Hednesford Town
.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
football midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
, now player-manager for Conference South
Conference South
Conference South is one of the second divisions of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National...
side Salisbury City
Salisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
. He spent twelve years as a professional in The Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
.
His career began with Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
in 1995, where he spent the first six years of his career, making 161 league appearances. In 2001 he transferred to Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
, where he spent another six years, racking up 123 appearances in the league. He was sent out on loan to Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
, Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
, and Rochdale
Rochdale A.F.C.
Rochdale Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Spotland Stadium. Formed in 1907, they were accepted into the Football League in 1921...
in the final years of his spell. In 2007 he left the professional game to sign for Salisbury City, before taking up the management position at the club in 2010. He led the club to promotion into the Conference South
Conference South
Conference South is one of the second divisions of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National...
in his first season as manager.
Mansfield Town
Clarke started his career at Mansfield TownMansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
when he joined their youth set up at the age of just ten. He made his way through the ranks and was offered a professional contract at the club in 1995. While at Mansfield he became a fan favourite, partly because he was a home grown talent. He made over 150 league and cup appearances for the club, scoring 27 goals. As his contract ran to its end, he attracted the attention of several other clubs and he was offered a contract at Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
by Chris Turner. Clarke found it difficult to leave Field Mill
Field Mill
Field Mill is a multi-use stadium in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England.It is currently occupied by its main tenant, Mansfield Town.The stadium has a capacity of around 10,000 when fully open, but due to the Bishop Street Stand being closed and safety restrictions, the ground currently holds less...
but believed that a new move could kick start his career and stop him from becoming stale.
Hartlepool United
Clarke signed for Hartlepool in July 2001 on a free transfer, courtesy of the Bosman rulingBosman ruling
Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football Association ASBL v Jean-Marc Bosman is a 1995 European Court of Justice decision concerning freedom of movement for workers, freedom of association, and direct effect of article 39 of the EC Treaty...
, but Hartlepool still had to pay £80,000 as he was under 24. He was seen by many as the replacement for Tommy Miller
Tommy Miller
Thomas William "Tommy" Miller is an English footballer who currently plays for Huddersfield Town. Although born in England, he is eligible to represent Scotland in international football.-Hartlepool United:...
. Clarke originally failed to cement his place in the starting 11 and found himself in and out of the team, making 26 league starts and 9 substitute appearances. However he still managed to score 7 league goals, including a hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
in a 7–1 win over Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
.
The following season was much more successful for Clarke as he played in nearly all of Hartlepool’s matches and added another seven goals to his tally in Hartlepool’s promotion winning campaign. The arrival of manager Neale Cooper saw Clarke’s opportunities in the first team in 2003–04 limited, as Eifion Williams
Eifion Williams
Eifion Wyn Williams is a Welsh footballer who plays for Jarrow Roofing as a midfielder/striker after coming out of retirement. He has recently retired whilst playing for Wrexham...
was preferred on the right wing. Clarke only started 23 league matches, but he still managed to make a further 12 substitute appearances.
In the 2004–05 season, Clarke suffered a knee injury that prevented him from taking part in any of Hartlepool’s league games. However, he did make an appearance for Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
during a loan spell, but this was cut short as Clarke picked up another knee problem. In September 2005 Clarke was loaned to Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
, again just playing the one game. His appearances were again limited once he returned to Hartlepool. In July 2006 he was loaned to Rochdale
Rochdale A.F.C.
Rochdale Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Spotland Stadium. Formed in 1907, they were accepted into the Football League in 1921...
, where he made 12 appearances. He was released by 'Pool in May 2007.
Salisbury City
On 3 July 2007 he signed for newly promoted Conference NationalConference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
outfit Salisbury City
Salisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
. He was strongly influenced by former team mate Tommy Widdrington
Tommy Widdrington
Thomas "Tommy" Widdrington is an English former footballer, turned football manager, who is the manager of Southern Football League side Hemel Hempstead Town...
to make the switch South, and was the third signing made by Nick Holmes
Nick Holmes (footballer)
Nicholas Charles Holmes is a retired footballer, who won the FA Cup Final with Southampton in 1976 and, from July 2002 to July 2010, was general manager of Salisbury City.-Southampton:...
. He helped the club avoid relegation in the 2008–09 season, which was a good achievement for the club.
At the beginning of the 2009–10
2009–10 Football Conference
The 2009–10 Football Conference season was the sixth season with the Conference consisting of three divisions, and the thirty-first season overall. The Conference covers the top two levels of Non-League football in England. The Conference National is the fifth highest level of the overall pyramid,...
season he became Salisbury's most senior player and was duly given the captain's armband by Widdrington, who had recently been appointed manager. He captained the club to a mid-table finish, however Salisbury were demoted down into the Southern League Premier Division as punishment for their severe financial problems.
Management career
In July 2010, Tommy WiddringtonTommy Widdrington
Thomas "Tommy" Widdrington is an English former footballer, turned football manager, who is the manager of Southern Football League side Hemel Hempstead Town...
left Salisbury City
Salisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
for the job of assistant manager at Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
. As a result of this, Clarke became joint caretaker-manager beside Mikey Harris. The next month he was made player-manager on a permanent basis, with Harris as his assistant. After his first season
2010–11 Southern Football League
-Premier Division:The Premier Division features five new clubs for the 2010–11 season:*Chesham United, promoted from Division One Midlands*Cirencester Town, promoted from Division One South & West...
, The Whites won promotion from the Southern League Premier Division via the play-offs, winning 3–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw with Hednesford Town
Hednesford Town F.C.
Hednesford Town Football Club are an association football team based in Hednesford, Staffordshire, England. They play at Keys Park.-History:...
.
As a player
Hartlepool UnitedHartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
- Football League Third DivisionFootball League Third DivisionThe Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
runner-up: 2002–03
As a player-manager
Salisbury CitySalisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
- Southern Football League Premier Division play-off winner: 2010–112010–11 Southern Football League-Premier Division:The Premier Division features five new clubs for the 2010–11 season:*Chesham United, promoted from Division One Midlands*Cirencester Town, promoted from Division One South & West...