Walsall boss Darrell Clarke has today admitted he is surprised new signing James Clarke has dropped down from League 1 to sign for the Saddlers.
JC (this article will get confusing if I call them both Clarke) played nearly fifty games for Bristol Rovers last season in a side which conceded the fifth lowest in League 1 and JC was voted fans player of the season on their podcast so it seems something of a coup for us.
JC played under Darrell at both Salisbury and Bristol Rovers – achieving four promotions in as many seasons and Darrell said hes delighted to have signed him.
Speaking to the Official Site, Darrell said
I’m pleasantly surprised, to be honest with you. I didn’t think we would have a chance of getting him.
He’s a lad I know very well and he can play anywhere across the back four. He’s more of a centre-half but he’s played a lot of times at right-back.
We’re not going to be working with as big a squad this year so it’s important we’ve got players who can fill in a few positions.
He is 100% commitment and it’s about getting the environment right to the football club.
He’s quick, strong and uses the ball well. He’s one of the best man-to-man markers from set-pieces I’ve ever worked with; I can’t ever remember his attacker scoring a goal.
He’s got all the attributes.
James Clarke will officially join the Saddlers on 1st July when his contract expires at Bristol Rovers.
