Huddersfield Town beat Charlton Athletic in race for Southend United defender

Jun 12 2009 By Doug Thomson

TOWN look set to win the race for Peter Clarke after the Southend defender snubbed a switch to Charlton.

With Galpharm right-back Andy Holdsworth being linked with a move to Leeds, former Everton and Blackpool centre-back Clarke, out of contract at the Essex club, is poised to come in.

While Town boss Lee Clark was tight-lipped on whether a deal is in the offing, he made no secret of his admiration of the 27-year-old.

"He’s a quality player who I have known about for some time," said Clark, who watched Town beat Southend 1-0 at Roots Hall the day after his appointment in December.

"I scouted him while I was working for Norwich and I’ve continued to keep close tabs on his performances."

Charlton, among Town’s opponents in League I next season after their relegation, had hoped to lure Southport-born Clarke to The Valley.

But sources in South London say the former Goodison trainee, who has played 150 times for Southend, scoring 11 times, favours a return North.

That would appear to open the door for Town, who have already confirmed the capture of Tranmere midfielder Antony Kay on a two-year contract.