Quiet man's huge impact

GET IN . . . Athletic captain Peter Clarke (centre), Connor Ripley (left) and Brian Wilson celebrate after victory over Bolton

ACTIONS speak louder than words for durable Athletic captain Peter Clarke.

The Chronicle's Star Man in a season in which he led a remarkable rearguard action against relegation has now featured in 67 consecutive league matches - an unbroken run of close to a season-and-a-half - for his current employers and previous club Bury.

Clarke (35) is under contract for the next two campaigns for John Sheridan's side, who also have Anthony Gerrard tied down to a deal running the same length.

It means that as Sheridan works to bring in new players to get towards his ideal squad size of around 23 ahead of 2017-18, there is already a wealth of defensive experience to work from.

And while Sheridan revealed that Clarke is not one to rant and rave inside the confines of the dressing room, the qualities on and off the field that saw Scunthorpe make a bid to buy him back in January make the centre-back a huge figure in the bid to lift Athletic's standing next season.

"I have always liked Clarkey as a player, going back to 10 or 12 years ago when I was a manager then," said Sheridan.

"When you are a manager, he is the type of player you want in your team and for him to have done what he has, to have played in every game, it shows he has drive and determination.

RESPECT

"He also appreciates the players around him and the players look up to him. He has had a magnificent season, so full respect to him for it.

"He is a bit quieter than I thought he was in the dressing room, but he doesn't have to say a lot because of the way that he plays.

"He has got this aggression and determination and desire and will to win in his game.

"He doesn't have to say a lot and the way he plays sends out the right signals.

"For the younger players particularly, to have men like him, Paul Green and Brian Wilson around who have played so many games in their careers is great.

"Clarkey is also one who knows the value of the players around him.

"He will be here next season and we have to improve on this season and do better.

'BELIEF'

"I want us to push and have a bit of belief we can get out of the league the other way next season.

"Whether I deliver or not, that's my aim.

"The fans have been brilliant and the players have that belief. Hopefully, we can carry that on."

Athletic's youth team friendlies have been announced. Tony Philliskirk's charges will play home matches against Blackpool (July 15, 11am kick-off) and Rochdale (July 29, 11am) and travel to Wythenshawe Town (July 8, 2pm), Bolton (July 11, noon), Bury (July 18, 1pm) and Sunderland (July 22, 12.30pm).