Billy Clarke

William Charles Clarke (born 13 December 1987) is an Irish football coach and former footballer who is the assistant manager of Hull City under 18's team.

As a player Clarke was predominantly a striker as well as playing in midfield in a career that lasted from 2003 until 2021. He most notably had three spells with Bradford City and was also part of the Blackpool team that played in the Premier League during the 2010–11 season. Clarke also had spells with Ipswich Town, Crawley Town, Charlton Athletic, Plymouth Argyle and Grimsby Town as well as spending time on loan with Colchester United, Falkirk, Darlington, Northampton Town, Brentford and Sheffield United. He played for Ireland at various levels up to under-21.

Club Career

Ipswich Town

Born in Cork, Clarke is a product of the Ipswich Town Academy and signed professional for the club in May 2005. He made his professional debut as a substitute against Cardiff City in late November 2005. He won the Irish Examiner Junior Sports Star of the year award for Soccer in 2005 and was nominated for the Irish Under-19 Player of the Year award in 2006. He also made a big contribution to Ipswich's youth team in winning the FA Youth Cup in 2005.

At the end of the 2005–06 season he was sent on loan to Colchester United to gain first team experience, playing six league games. During the January 2008 transfer window, he joined Scottish side Falkirk on loan. He scored his first goal, a late winner, in a crucial match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

After returning to Ipswich Clarke scored his first league goal in the 2–1 victory over Southampton and followed it up three days later with the winning goal in the 2–1 victory over Coventry City. He also scored in a 3–1 victory over Southend United.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Билли Кларк (russian)