Clarke pens a new chapter in his career (From Echo)

Clarke pens a new chapter in his career

5:50am Friday 23rd October 2009 in

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DURING his own playing career, Adrian Clarke would often hit the headlines.

But the former left winger is now writing them.

Clarke played for both Southend and Carlisle United before hanging up his boots three years ago and he remains involved with the game.

“I’m now a journalist and run my own sports media company,” said Clarke, 35.

“It’s called Sport Media Solution and we’ve supplied copy to a number of publications. I’ve got to interview some real top players such as Pele, Ryan Giggs, Kaka and Lionel Messi and it’s certainly something I enjoy doing.”

Clarke also relished his spell as a player and his time at Roots Hall.

He joined the Shrimpers from Arsenal, initially on loan, in March 1997 and went on to make 95 appearances for the club.

“I have mainly fond memories of my time with Southend,” recalled Clarke.

“It wasn’t a great time for the club and we weren’t particularly successful but I enjoyed it there.

“I felt at home and the one thing I remember the most is how the fans would also be championing my cause, even when I was left out of the team.

“I was always grateful for that and, even now, when I bump into Southend supporters they still say nice things about me.”

Clarke spent three seasons with the Shrimpers and was managed by both Ronnie Whelan and Alvin Martin before Alan Little came to the club.

But his arrival was to signal the end of Clarke’s career at Roots Hall.

“When Alan came in it was clear I wasn’t going to get a crack of the whip,” said Clarke.

“He brought in other players and I was frozen out so it was with great reluctance that I had to leave.”

Clarke therefore joined Carlisle on loan in September 1999.

But his time at Brunton Park did not go to plan.

“I’m not sure their fans would even remember me,” laughs Clarke who played seven times for the Cumbrians “The manager at the time, Martin Wilkinson, had been tracking me for a while and it was nice to be involved in first team football again.

“It wasn’t that successful for me though and the team were struggling which led to the manager leaving.

“Someone else took over and played a different system so I was again out favour and I didn’t do myself justice there really.

“All I remember is that it was a long way to go and that all the away games were a real trek to get to.

“They would all take five or six hours and that was often on a matchday because money was tight and I think that played a part in the results we were getting.”

Clarke went on to also play for Stevenage, Hendon and Margate but was forced to retire with a serious pelvic problem three years ago.

He does still play for fun though and is part of Arsenal’s ex professional and celebrity team.

“We have Tommy Walsh from Groundforce in goal and Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet at right-back,” said Clarke.

“Ralph Little also plays and so does Phil Daniels. It’s certainly a bit different to playing for Southend.”