Tom Clarke

Thomas Clarke (born 21 December 1987) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for League One club Fleetwood Town. He previously played for Huddersfield Town, Preston North End and Salford City. Clarke is a former England youth international, having represented England at both under-18 and under-19 level.

Club Career

Huddersfield Town

Breakthrough to first team

Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Clarke is a product of the Huddersfield academy. Clarke's older brother, Nathan Clarke, is also a professional footballer previously with Huddersfield. Tom signed his first professional contract in January 2005. His debut came against the MK Dons. Clarke scored his first goal for The Terriers in a 2–0 win over Blackpool at the Galpharm Stadium in January 2006.

Clarke made his first start of the 2006–07 season coming on as a 61st-minute substitute replacing Danny Adams, in a 2–0 loss away at Crewe Alexandra on 2 September. He made his first start of the season on 9 September in a 2–0 loss away at Cheltenham Town. He ruptured a ligament in his left knee during Huddersfield Town's League One home match against Carlisle United, on 14 October 2006 forcing him to sit out most of the 2006–07 season.

Clarke joined Conference Premier club Halifax Town on loan on 21 February 2008, in a bid to regain match practice. He made his debut for the Shaymen in their 0–0 draw at The Shay against Stafford Rangers on 23 February. His first goal for the club came in their 3–1 win over Histon at Bridge Road on 8 March.

He returned to Huddersfield on 23 March and made his first appearance since returning in Huddersfield's 1–0 win over Tranmere Rovers on 19 April.

2008–09 season

He signed on a month-long loan with League Two club Bradford City in October 2008. He made his debut the following day against Grimsby Town, when he came on as a first-half substitute for Omar Daley, following de