Thomas Clarke (born 21 December 1987) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender or midfielder. He 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.
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Club career
Huddersfield Town
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.
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 defender Matthew Clarke's sending off. City were leading 1–0 at the time and won the game 3–1. He made his full debut in a 1–0 victory over Bury on 29 October. With a number of injuries, Bradford extended his loan spell for a second month, with Huddersfield caretaker manager Gerry Murphy able to recall him at 24 hours' notice. Murphy recalled Clarke on 3 December following a training ground injury to left-back Joe Skarz. Clarke's last game for City was their FA Cup exit to Leyton Orient four days previously; he also played six league games for City. Following the injury sustained by regular right-back Andy Holdsworth, Clarke found himself back in the first-team frame under Lee Clark and scored his first away goal for Huddersfield in a 2–1 win at Glanford Park against Scunthorpe United on 10 April 2009.
Preston North End
It was announced on 22 May 2013 that Clarke had signed for Preston North End on a two-year contract.
On 5 August 2013 in only his second appearance for Preston, Clarke scored a magnificent late winner in the 87th minute to defeat Blackpool in a derby game at Deepdale.
Salford City
Clarke signed for League Two club Salford City on 14 July 2020 on a two-year deal. On 15 May 2021, Salford announced he would be released despite having a year left on his contract.
Fleetwood Town
On 14 June 2021, Clarke joined Fleetwood Town on a one-year deal. A one-year contract extension was triggered at the end of the 2021–22 season.
FC Halifax Town
On 30 July 2022, it was announced that Clarke had signed for his hometown club, FC Halifax Town.
On 4 September 2023, Clarke announced his retirement from football following a persistent knee injury.
International career
An England international, Clarke has represented England at international youth level, being capped at both under 18s and under 19s level. He earned two caps for the under 19s scoring once between 2006 and 2005.
Personal life
Clarke's older brother, Nathan Clarke, was also a professional footballer.
Career statistics
As of end of 2021–22 season
Honours
Huddersfield Town
Football League One play-offs: 2012
Preston North End
Football League One play-offs: 2015
Salford City
EFL Trophy: 2019–20
FC Halifax Town
FA Trophy: 2022–23
Individual
PFA Team of the Year: 2014–15 League One
Preston North End Players' Player of the Year: 2016–17