Ex-Huddersfield Town Player of the Year Nathan Clarke is leaving League Two side Leyton Orient to return to his Yorkshire home.
Clarke moved down to London to join Orient back in 2012, ending an 19-year association with Town, but will seek pastures new this summer despite announcing back in May that he would be staying to captain the O's in the fourth tier following their relegation.
The 31-year-old central defender had just a year left on his deal at Brisbane Road but has called time on a three-year spell there, where he has made over 100 appearances after being named captain within a week of signing.
In a statement released on Leyton Orient's club website, Clarke wrote: “Firstly I would like to start by saying how proud I have been, been captain of this football club, I have played with the best group of lads in my time here and made some true friends and some great memories!
“In my time here I have had unbelievable support from the fans and I hope they could see I gave everything for the team.
“This is why this decision has not been easy, but for the past 3 years while playing here, I have been away from my young family, my wife and 2 girls have been so supportive in this time, but I feel living apart has become too hard!
“I have on many occasions put the club before my families happiness and that should never happen.
“I have made the decision to leave and move back north to be at home with my family.
“I would like to thank everyone associated with Leyton Orient and I will always be a fan!
“I would also like to thank the Manager for understanding my reasons and supporting me.
“I hope everyone understands my reasons and I wish the club every success in the up-coming season.”
Clarke made nearly 300 appearances for Town having risen through the ranks from ball-boy to first-team stalwart, as well as winning the Hargreaves Memorial Trophy back in 2005.
And he was on the bench for Orient against Town just last weekend as Chris Powell's side ran out 2-0 winners at the La Cala training complex, where both clubs were staying.
