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Legends: Phil Clarkson
HOMESPUN hero Phil Clarkson is pounding a fresh beat as a postman after delivering a first-class service to Blackpool for five years.
Hambleton lad Clarkson took a roundabout route to Bloomfield Road, via Crewe Alexandra and Scunthorpe, after doubling up as a motor mechanic and semi-pro soccer prospect with Fleetwood Town.
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Snapped up by Crewe supremo Dario Gradi in a 47,500 dual swoop for him and Fleetwood team-mate Steve Macauley in 1991, the goal-poaching midfielder arrived at Pool for 80,000 from Scunthorpe exactly 11 years ago and proved a sound investment.
Quickly taking Gary Megson's capture to their hearts, fans christened Clarkson The Ghost because of instinctive dashes from the deep which went unnoticed by opponents.
From February 1997 until he left in March 2002 to wind down his League career with four outings for Bury, quietly-spoken Clarkson turned out 201 times for Pool scoring 43 goals – 154 games and 35 goals in the league.
He was a Leeds fan in his youth, on account of having an uncle there, but he's proud to be ranked among The Gazette's Legends of Bloomfield Road, where he coaches the under-11s at the centre of excellence.
"I've still got a soft spot for the club and helping coach the youngsters keeps me in touch," said father-of-two Clarkson.
"I went to watch Pool quite a lot last season, though I've only managed to see them a couple of times in the Championship. I don't think they have to worry about relegation."
Clarkson, 39, was quick to praise the part striker Tony Ellis and midfielder Mickey Mellon played in his Seasiders success.
"Tony was a cracking player. He brought the best out of me because he'd hold the ball up and let me come up from midfield.
"I had a good partnership with Mickey in midfield. He'd do the holding job, which again allowed me to get forward. He was a brainy player and an accurate passer of the ball."
Clarkson's career turned full circle as he finished back in non-League with Halifax Town and Lancaster City. These days he occasionally turns out for Wyre Villa veterans.
The Gazette's Legends book is again available after completely selling out on its first print run. And we're marking this special occasion this week by focusing on one of the living legends featured in its pages each day. If you don't own Legends already, you can ring 01253 361843 to get your copy.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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