FORMER Southend United defender Peter Clarke has joined League Two side Walsall - at the age of 40.

Clarke made 150 appearances for Blues between 2006 and 2009.

But he has now opted to extend his playing career with the Saddlers.

Clarke told the club's official website: "I initially spoke to the head coach, we had a brief spell playing together many, many moons ago and we have always kept in touch and we have respected each others careers from afar.

"I had a call from him asking about my availability.

"Having spoken to him and hearing how passionate and enthusiastic he was about one, bringing me into the club and secondly about what he wants to do and how he wants to move the club and the team forward, it was something that really, really appealed to myself."

Clarke has made 879 appearances during his career.