Derek Clarke

Who is Derek Clarke?

Derek Clarke is an English former professional footballer who played in the Football League as a forward for Walsall, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Oxford United, where he spent the majority of his career, Orient and Carlisle United. He is the third of five footballing brothers, the others being Allan, Frank, Kelvin and Wayne, who all played League football.

Clarke was born in Willenhall, and began his professional career at nearby Walsall. He joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1968, but made just five appearances in two full seasons for the First Division club before moving to Oxford United in October 1970. He spent six years at Oxford, making 178 Second Division appearances, then left the Manor Ground when the club was relegated in 1976. He then joined Orient, where he spent two seasons, which included an appearance in the semi-final of the 1977–78 FA Cup and a loan spell at Carlisle United, before injury forced his retirement.