Clarke scoops another Pompey accolade

Matt Clarke has scooped yet another Pompey accolade.
Matt Clarke celebrates his goal at MK Dons. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPepMatt Clarke celebrates his goal at MK Dons. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPep
Matt Clarke celebrates his goal at MK Dons. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPep

The centre-back was the Blues' player of the 2017-18 season, according to The News' match ratings.

That dovetails with his News/ Sports Mail Player of the Season award, as well as clinching the club's Players' Player of the Season.

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Clarke was a consistent performer for Kenny Jackett’s side last term and averaged a rating of 7.3 from 43 appearances.

The former Ipswich man did not feature in any of the first five games of the campaign after picking up a thigh injury in a pre-season friendly at the Hawks in July.

He returned for Pompey's home clash against Rotherham on September 3.

Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat, Clarke was named The News' man of the match and remained in the line-up for the remainder of the campaign.

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The 21-year-old achieved a 9 match rating on three occasions against Bury, Shrewsbury and Wigan.

He also netted the match-winner in the home win against the Shakers and equalised in the 2-1 victory at MK Dons in February.

A frustrating season for Jack Whatmough ended with a silver lining.

He clinched The News' joint-second highest average match rating with a score of 7.1 across his 15 appearances.

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The academy product started the Blues' first six matches of the season before suffering a knee setback in training.

After more than six months out, he returned and ousted Christian Burgess from Jackett's line-up.

Danny Rose also averaged a 7.1 rating from 16 appearances before his season-ending leg break in the 3-1 win over Northampton on December 30.

The popular midfielder fell out of favour for a period.

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But he won his place back and was voted The News' man of the match three times.

Nathan Thompson finished in fourth place with an average rating of 7 across 37 appearances.

In his maiden season at Fratton Park, the ex-Swindon captain displayed his versatility by playing in right-back, centre-midfielder and centre-back roles.

Thompson was The News' star man on a number of occasions.

Five players shared fifth spot with an average rating of 6.9

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They were Burgess, Jamal Lowe, Stuart O'Keefe, Ben Close and Anton Walkes, while Luke McGee, Brett Pitman, Matty Kennedy and Brandon Haunstrup took 10th with a score of 6.9.

Note: All players featured in 12 games or more. Checkatrade Trophy matches were not included