Clarke thanks Pompey faithful after award recognition

MATT CLARKE thanked the Fratton faithful for crowning him The News/Sports Mail's Player of the Season.
Matt Clarke. Picture: Joe PeplerMatt Clarke. Picture: Joe Pepler
Matt Clarke. Picture: Joe Pepler

And he capped a memorable day by helping Pompey to a 2-0 final-day success over Peterborough.

The 21-year-old became the 40th recipient of the trophy initially unveiled in 1979 when Peter Mellor was honoured.

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Clarke collected 57 per cent of our readers’ votes – more than double that received by second-placed Brett Pitman (23 per cent).

The central defender was delighted to receive such recognition from Pompey followers.

And it was among five he received on Saturday.

Clarke said: ‘To pick up any sort of individual accolade is always nice and the fact it’s after a lot of people have voted shows what a good season I’ve had.

‘I’ll take it with pride and accept all the accolades without getting too ahead of myself.

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‘The fans have watched me develop and like what they have seen, so it is something I can get confidence from.

‘They pay their money every week and obviously want to see someone who gives their all. I would like to think that anyone who comes to watch me play will always say I give it my all, I work hard for the team, put my head in anywhere for the team and take pleasure in that.

‘I suppose it highlights maybe what a good, positive progressive season I’ve had.

‘Once you are in the mix for one award you have the chance for others, I suppose. Whatever the award, it’s about working hard and doing your best for the team.

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‘If I ever think I am a rubbish footballer I will take a bit of confidence from looking at them and move on from it.

‘Once the dust settles, though, everyone will think it has been a good and progressive season for Pompey – and it was nice to win on the last day at Fratton Park.’

– NEIL ALLEN