• The first stage of the forum upgrades has now been completed but they remain in a degraded state and are still being worked on. Normal posting/reading should now be possible.
    Please read this thread for more details.
    New user registrations are currently disabled.

Jack Clarke


Coeus said:
Im sure you can have your own meaning for football terms but I'm sure the generally accepted moden description of an inside forward is positionally outside and makes runs in for a shot or pass, what he was for us. Or an inside winger who generally cuts inside and operates in the channel, crossing more often than the forward.

I haven't seen him for Ipswich much at all but if he isn't at the very least starting out wide, then it isn't the position of an inside forward, at least I'm my understanding of the terminology.
Click to expand...
You're describing an inverted winger, which is what Clarke was for us. An inside forward sits more between the centre and the wing.

You must be logged on to see external links
 
Last edited:
FatDrummer said:
Absolutely!….because, let’s be honest, he has hardly set the world on fire at any of his other clubs.

Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2018–2019
You must be logged on to see external links
22(2)
2019–2022
You must be logged on to see external links
0(0)
2019→
You must be logged on to see external links
(loan)		1(0)
2020→ (loan)6(0)
2021→ (loan)14(0)
2022→ (loan)17(1)
2022–202487(25)
2024–33(0)
Click to expand...
SAFC deliberately set out to boost his data by making him our number one dead ball candidate and the intended end point of our attacking play wether down the left or right wing. It worked. That won’t work in the PL.
Is he a PL quality player if played in the same position? I’d say so but his data would obviously be lower.

On those long wintery Saturday night luxury coach journeys across the East Anglian flatlands he can always console himself with his banking app I suppose.
 
Hulkenburger said:
You're describing an inverted winger, which is what Clarke was for us. An inside forward sits more between the centre and the wing.

You must be logged on to see external links
Click to expand...

Youre right, i did mean inverted winger as opposed to inside, however, Im not sure that's the best article to be honest, has a fair bit of contradictory info. Although it does suggest that both occupy the channel one in from the touch line eventually, which is what Clarke did for us.

The main difference between the two, to my mind is last third movement, a forward you will seldom see getting to the byline and crossing.

Inside Forward (IF):
  • Attacking Focus: Primarily a goal scorer who cuts inside from the flank, often looking for shooting opportunities or short passes into the box.

  • Movement: Drifts inside from the wing into the half-space, occupying a position similar to a wide striker.

  • Decision Making: More likely to shoot, dribble, and make direct runs towards goal.

  • Teamwork: Can be more individualistic, focusing on their own goal-scoring opportunities.

  • Defensive Work: May track back less than an inverted winger.
Inverted Winger (IW):
  • Creation Focus: Aims to create chances by cutting inside from the wing and linking up with teammates.
  • Movement: May drift wide after passing, creating space for overlapping runs from full-backs or midfielders.
  • Decision Making: More likely to pass, cross, and involve themselves in build-up play.
  • Teamwork: More of a team player, focused on creating opportunities for others.
  • Defensive Work: More defensively involved, tracking back and supporting the team in defensive phases.
 
riffraff said:
SAFC deliberately set out to boost his data by making him our number one dead ball candidate and the intended end point of our attacking play wether down the left or right wing. It worked. That won’t work in the PL.
Is he a PL quality player if played in the same position? I’d say so but his data would obviously be lower.

On those long wintery Saturday night luxury coach journeys across the East Anglian flatlands he can always console himself with his banking app I suppose.
Click to expand...
Interesting take. The model meant playing in a style to boost player values? Seems possible
 
FatDrummer said:
That is why he would look back fondly on his time here…and NOT anywhere else.
That was exactly the point that I was making.
Try reading my post properly.

He was fantastic for us and I loved him for that, but he has done nowt at any other club.
Click to expand...
He shone enough at Leeds to earn a big money move to Spurs man. He then only played a further 20 odd games as a kid before arriving with us. He was then excellent for us as you rightly said.

Your “point” is wrong.

Not that I’m advocating his return either mind. He’s had his time with us. Let’s see if he finds his form for us and Leeds again. He does have time on his side
 
Last edited:
Watched the first half last night. Maybe it was the rose tinted glasses but there is flashes of the Clarke we knew and loved.

Cut inside a few times, had one shot which the keeper saved. To the naked eye he was playing wide but spends a lot of time in a more central role to allow the LB to overlap which doesnt suit him. He had Cirkin in behind him for us but wasnt ask to come more central, which meant he had more space and it gave the defenders more to think about.

Maybe I am just defending him cos of what he did for us, but something isnt right for him at Ipswich.
 
I have said it before in here, his agent got him a move for money, and not for the good of his career.

Ipswich don't play a game that suits his strengths. I remember watching him trying to play further forward for us and he was dreadful. His stock will drop and he will end up at another decent championship team at some point and have himself a decent enough career. Naively I truly believe if he'd have stayed with us he would have continued to play week in week out last season and contribute to us being promoted, will never know though.
 
Some short memories on here.

Assuming Ipswich would be up for it there would be no risk on taking him on loan here. Extra body and knows the club. Theres still question marks over Mundle in the prem for me and the new lad may not settle in/take to us.
 
aquaboy said:
Is it related to how he's being asked to play? or just would rather be back here.
Click to expand...

He doesn't think back here would be an option now, but would jump at the chance. He just hasn't settled down there, there's been some interest from other championship clubs in the summer but nothing concrete
 
Move was the wrong club and setup. But I think club and agent were happy at the arrangement, and it also afforded him a guaranteed shot at the premier league
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top