Athletic mark Clarke's 700th game

Well done Peter Clarke!

Athletic honoured club captain Pater Clarke with a special shirt in recognition of his 700th career appearance.

The shirt, which features the number 700, was presented to the skipper prior to kick off at Saturday's home game against Crawley by Club Secretary Richard Cooper and the defender’s father Mick Clarke (pictured above).

Mick, along with Peter's mother, has watched every one of his matches.

Clarke made his 700th professional career appearance in the game against Macclesfield Town at Boundary Park, which Athletic won 3-1.

His career has spanned a 20-year period in which he has played for several Football League teams, including: Blackpool, Southend United and Huddersfield Town - earning many accolades along the way.

Club Secretary Cooper said: “Peter Clarke is the ultimate professional and his longevity in the game is a true testament to his character and dedication.

“The club are proud to have a leader like Peter in the dressing room and his experience certainly shows in every game he plays.

“He is the perfect role model for the younger members of the squad and he often dedicates time to the club’s academy sharing his invaluable knowledge of the game with our youth team scholars."

Clarke has now played 79 matches for Athletic and was a key part of the defence that equalled a club record of 18 league clean sheets in the 2016/17 season. 

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