LEE CLARK has drawn a line under the Jamie McCombe red-card controversy.
Town’s manager criticised his centre-back after his dismissal was followed by a late Leyton Orient comeback for a 2-2 draw at the Galpharm last Saturday.
But as his ninth-placed teamprepared for today’s tough League I clash at Brentford – minus McCombe, who must serve a three-match suspension after being shown a straight red for pulling down George Porter off the ball – Clark said: “We’ve talked about the incident and we’ve moved on.
“I’m still disappointed about what happened, because I believe it cost us two points, but I also think we should have got all three points against Rochdale, Oldham and MK Dons.
“Myself and Jamie are both big lads now and between the two of us, we have sorted things out. I certainly don’t bear grudges, because he’s a super bloke, and there’s respect between us.
“Whatever led to it happening, it was out of character for Jamie, who has apologised to us all.”
Clark, who signed the 6ft 5in defender from Bristol City the close-season before last, added: “Jamie is a good player who has a huge role to play for this club.
“When he has served his ban (it also takes in the home games against Bradford in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday and Stevenage in League I a week today) he will be back in contention.
“His problem might well be getting back into the team, because in his absence, I have two good players to choose from in Peter Clarke and Liam Cooper.
“My captain (Clarke) has had to sit patiently while Jamie and Antony Kay have played well in the centre of defence.
“And Liam (on loan from Hull) has been terrific since he came through the door, and is equally keen to get games under his belt.
“One of them will get the opportunity against Brentford, and they need to take it in order to stay in the side.”
