He hasn’t been in the job for more than two days but we have already seen a few players linked with a reunion with their former boss.
The Saddlers will be left light following the retained/released list which is due out later next week and Clarke will need to bolster his squad as we look to bounce back at the first attempt.
JACK BONHAM (GOALKEEPER)
Bonham is without a club following his release from Brentford last week.
Bonham featured heavily for Clarke at Rovers and was instrumental to Rovers survival in League 1 keeping eight clean sheets including a superb performance at the Banks’s Stadium.
Bonham is linked with a move back to Rovers but maybe the chance to link up with Clarke again might tempt him.
JAMES CLARKE (RIGHT BACK)
Clarke was ever present under namesake Clarke at Salisbury before joining him at Bristol Rovers. He has featured heavily for the Gas too and they have offered him a new contract but a move with him a familiar face might not be out the question.
CONNOR JOHNSON (CENTRE BACK)
Johnson has spent the season on loan with the Saddlers and has deputised well when called upon. He has certainly impressed more than Fitzwater this time around.
Whether Clarke sees him as part of his plans it remains to be seen but with Guthrie and Vann unsure of their futures it could be wise to have a familiar defender in the ranks.
KYLE BENNETT (WINGER)
Local lad Bennett (Telford) started his career at Wolves youth but saw his chances limited. He moved to Bury, Doncaster, Bradford and Portsmouth before moving to Rovers in 2018. He was seen as first choice winger for Clarke before seeing his first team opportunities limited after Clarke was sacked. He went on loan to Swindon in League 2 and impressed greatly scoring five goals in fourteen appearances.
He said he wants to leave the Gas and Swindon is his preferred destination however a move closer to home may prove decisive.
CHRIS LINES (CENTRE MID)
Clarke has always been an admirer of Lines. He featured heavily for him at Rovers and is seen to still have creative flair despite being the other side of 30. Lines is also superb at set pieces.
Lines was released by Rovers this summer but Gas fans still believe he’s capable of playing in League 1 let alone League 2.
STUART SINCLAIR (CENTRE MID)
The Viking is seen as a cult hero at Rovers for his never say die attitude. Many said he gave 110% every week and would run through a brick wall for the cause.
Sinclair played for Clarke at Salisbury and at Rovers and despite being other side of 30, like Lines many feel he still has much more to give. With the probable exit of Adam Chambers, Sinclair would give us that knowhow and grit in the middle of the park.
Obviously Clarke may choose not to sign any of the above but managers often go back to players that they believe in.
It will be an interesting summer at Walsall.
