Playing career
Lincoln City
Clarke is a product of the club's centre of excellence which he joined in February 2002. In March 2004, he was one of five players who accepted a three-year scholarship with the Imps, commencing at the start of the 2004–05 season.[1] Of the five, three would go on to forge professional careers: Clarke, Jack Hobbs and Scott Loach. In January 2006, Clarke joined Stamford on work experience[2] with the scholarship system reverting to two rather than three years, Clarke was offered professional terms with the club at the end of his second year[3] and he signed his first, one-year, professional contract in July 2006.[4]
He started his Lincoln career as an unused substitute against Grimsby Town in a Football League Trophy match. He then played 11 games and was used as a substitute 5 times. His second Football League game, a 3–1 home defeat to Rotherham United on 12 January 2008, saw Clarke red-carded for a last minute lunge on Mark Hudson resulting in a three-match ban.[5] However his performances after making his debut saw him rewarded with a one-year extension to his contract.[6] On 30 April 2009 he agreed a new two-year contract with the club[7] signing the contract the following day.[8]
In May 2010, Clarke was placed on the Lincoln City transfer list by manager Chris Sutton, and on 31 August 2010 agreed a deal with the club to have his contract cancelled.[9]
Gateshead
On 6 October 2010, Clarke signed an initial one-month contract with Conference National side Gateshead.[10] Clarke made his debut for Gateshead as a second-half substitute against AFC Wimbledon on 16 October 2010. Clarke was released by Gateshead on 8 November 2010.[11]
Gainsborough Trinity
Clarke signed for Gainsborough Trinity in June 2011. During the 2011–12 season, Clarke formed a formidable midfield partnership with Jonathan D'Laryea, and the pair were influential in helping Trinity to secure a National League North play-off position, finishing in 5th place. Trinity would go on to reach the play-off final, defeating Halifax Town 3–2 over two legs, with Clarke scoring the only goal in the second leg to send Trinity through to the final. In the summer of 2012, Clark agreed to sign for another year with Trinity.
Boston United
Clarke rejoined Boston United in May 2016, but suffered an injury-stricken season with the Pilgrims, being ruled out for the first half of the season after suffering a second Achilles injury in quick succession. He was already set to miss the opening month of the campaign, but was subsequently eliminated from action until at least January 2017.[24] Clarke was one of eight released at the end of the season, after making only 11 appearances.
Gainsborough Trinity
Returning to Gainsborough Trinity for a second spell following his release from Lincolnshire rivals Boston United, Clarke was unveiled as one of Dave Frecklington's first summer signings in May 2017, along with Craig King. Clarke scored his first goal on his return on 19 August against Harrogate Town.
