INJURED Tom Clarke today signed a Town contract extension and beamed: “It’s fantastic the club are standing by me.”
The versatile 22-year-old suffered cruciate ligament damage in the play-offs and is ruled out until New Year, but he’s now signed a Galpharm deal to 2012.
“This contract is a massive thing for me,” said Clarke. “Negotiations started before the play-offs last season and as soon as I got injured, the club said they would stand by me, which is fantastic.
“It’s a great feeling to have it signed and sealed and now I’m concentrating on my rehab. I’ve had surgery on my knee, so now it’s up to me to crack on.”
Manager Lee Clark said the contract award was a ‘no brainer’ from his point of view, while chairman Dean Hoyle revealed the club were keen to do the right thing. Ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Barnsley at Oakwell (3.00), Hoyle explained: “We made a commitment to Tom regarding a new contract last year, following his very impressive run in the first team.
“Given his injury since that time, which unfortunately rules him out until at least the end of the year, it might have been seen as more convenient for us to wait for his return before we address this, but we are committed to doing what is right and proper at Huddersfield Town.
“Tom is a very resilient character and I’m sure he will return better than ever; hopefully this will help to boost him in his recovery process.”
Manager Clark said: “Tom is a fantastic professional and, whenever he comes in, he plays to his best.
“This contract extension is thoroughly deserved – it was a ‘no brainer’ for us – and we all hope that he kicks on again once he has overcome this problem.”
