Frank James Clarke (15 July 1942 – 2 June 2022) was an English footballer. Clarke was the eldest of five brothers who all played in the Football League.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Frank James Clarke | ||
| Date of birth | 15 July 1942 | ||
| Place of birth | Willenhall, Staffordshire, England | ||
| Date of death | 2 June 2022 (aged 79) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| Willenhall Town | |||
| 1961–1968 | Shrewsbury Town | 188 | (77) |
| 1968–1970 | Queens Park Rangers | 67 | (17) |
| 1970–1973 | Ipswich Town | 66 | (15) |
| 1973–1978 | Carlisle United | 126 | (30) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Career edit
After playing non-league football for Willenhall Town, he played in the Football League as a centre forward for Shrewsbury Town, Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich Town, and Carlisle United.[1] He made his debut for Shrewsbury Town in 1962 and made 188 appearances for the club.[2] His goal tally of 77 goals was joint-second on the club's all-time scorers list.[2] He was inducted into Shrewsbury Town Hall of Fame.[2]
His younger brothers Allan, Derek, Kelvin and Wayne all played in the Football League. Frank was the only one of the five who did not represent Walsall.[3]
Personal life edit
After his retirement from football, Clarke returned to Shrewsbury and worked as a newsagent, and at the Adams Sports Centre in Wem[2] as a supervisor for 28 years, until 2010. He dedicated much of his time caring for his family and looking after his grandchildren.[4]
Clarke died on 2 June 2022, surrounded by his family, at the age of 79,[2] leaving wife Sylvia and two daughters, five grandchildren and great grandchildren.[4]
References edit
- ^ "Frank Clarke". UK A–Z Transfers. Neil Brown. Retrieved 7 October 2009.
- ^ a b c d e "Frank Clarke: Former Shrewsbury Town, QPR, Ipswich Town and Carlisle United striker dies". BBC Sport. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ Edwards, Leigh. "Ultimate Saddlers A-Z 4". Walsall F.C. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2009.
- ^ a b "Shrews goal legend Clarke dies aged 79". Shropshire Star. 4 June 2022. p. 80.
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