Inside the mind of Huddersfield Town skipper Peter Clarke

Oct 17 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“As a professional, you want to play in every match you possibly can, and it was tough having to watch at Chesterfield,” he added.

“I certainly thought the sending off was harsh. I didn’t thin either offence warranted a yellow card, and while I’m obviously a bit biased, other people have said it too.

“There was nothing malicious about either challenge, and with the second (when Clarke was ruled to have used his arm in aerial contest with full-back John White) a clash of bodies is as much as it was.

“I was surprised and disappointed to see the cards come out – I think the picture on the back of the Examiner showed that – and for them to get the winning goal soon after simply compounded the misery.

“Up until my sending off, I thought we were looking the better team and the more likely to get something from the game.”

Red cards and barren runs aside, Clarke is enjoying his latest career challenge.

“I love the place to bits,” said the man who will be making a 306th club career appearance at The Valley today.

“It’s a top club, the people around the place are brilliant and the backing I’ve had from the supporters has been fantastic. I’ll do everything possible to give them something to cheer.”