Grimsby Town have confirmed that they have signed experienced Football League striker Billy Clarke on a deal until the end of the season.
Grimsby Town Sign Experienced Football League Striker Billy Clarke
? Grimsby Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of striker @billyclarke7 until the end of the season.
Full story ?https://t.co/vOTL27eN5q#GTFC
— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) January 9, 2020
Career So Far
The Mariners are Clarke’s 12th club of his career.
The 32-year-old most recently played for fellow League Two side Plymouth Argyle; however, he was released following the end of his short-term deal.
Clarke is best known for his time with Bradford City, where he made 112 appearances across two spells.
He returned to the Bantams in 2019 following a miserable season-and-a-half with Charlton Athletic. Clarke made just 17 appearances for the Addicks before suffering a knee ligament injury.
The Irishman began his career with Ipswich Town 49 appearances spanned across four seasons at Portman Road; much of his time was spent out on loan, as he acclimatised to the Football League.
Following his stint with Ipswich, Clarke had a three-year spell with Blackpool, the former club of current Grimsby Town manager Ian Holloway.
What Was Said
Speaking about the transfer, Holloway told the club website: “I’ve had him before, he was one of the younger ones who was totally frustrated with me and the situation because he was desperate to play.
“He was a massive part of what we did (at Blackpool) and his enthusiasm and I’m just trying to get him back.”
Billy Clarke will be available for Grimsby’s next game, as they travel to Leyton Orient, who sit just two places below them.
It has been the perfect return to management for Ian Holloway. He has overseen back-to-back wins for the Mariners, helping lift them away from the relegation zone.
Clarke is the second arrival at Blundell Park this window. The Mariners have already completed the signing of Anthony Glennon, who has signed from Burnley on loan until the end of the season.
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