Fleetwood Town announce signing of Tom Clarke on free transfer

Clarke has signed a one-year-deal at Highbury, though Fleetwood do hold an option to extend his contract until 2023.

The defender, who can play at centre back or at right back, is a seasoned pro in the Football League, winning promotion from League One on two occasions.

He once again links up with Simon Grayson with whom he won both promotions, having played under the Town head coach at both Huddersfield Town and Preston North End.

Clarke joins from Salford City, having played 30 times for the Ammies in League Two including helping them to win the EFL Trophy at Wembley.

He is a leader of men and renowned for his warrior-like approach to the game, with over 400 career games in the EFL.

Clarke is the Cod Army's fourth signing of the summer and will link up with his new teammates at the end of the month when they return for pre-season training.

Speaking to the club’s website, Clarke said: “I’m really happy that it’s finalised and gone through, I was really happy when I spoke to the manager.

“I was really eager just to get down and get it done.

“I can’t wait to get started. I worked under the manager for a long time at Preston, I spoke to a few ex-players that I know that have played here and they said how good the facilities are.

“A couple of things drew me in, I’ve been closed a couple of times to coming here previously.

“I’m just happy that it’s done and we can crack on.

“I’ve played a lot of games, I played in the Championship for a long period of time.

“Anything that I can pass down, my knowledge to them, I will do. I’m just eager to get out on that pitch and help the team as much as I can.”