MATTY CLARKE: There’s more to come from us

First-team full-back Matty Clarke feels that there’s more to come from Reds next season following his decision to stay at the club for the 2021/22 campaign.

Having arrived in August 2019, Clarke quickly established himself in the starting XI and was a standout performer in term 19/20.

In his one-and-a-bit seasons at Borough Park, the now 21-year-old has racked up 30 starts and ran the show on the right flank on many occasions.

Chatting at the weekend, Clarke said: “I’m delighted to sort it out early doors long before the season starts again.

“It means I can get my head down and concentrate on coming back fitter and stronger for pre-season.”

He elaborated on his delight, saying: “I was buzzing when I got the call from Danny [Grainger] that he wanted me to stay.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in and seeing all the lads,” he continued.

“It was a no-brainier for me and didn’t matter about any other interest, I didn’t need to think about my decision, it was already made to stay here.”

Having been part of the two curtailed campaigns, the disappointment of no promotion is sticking with Clarke but he believes the new season will offer Reds the chance to show that there’s more to come from them.

“Last season was frustrating for us all,” admitted the Kendal-based youngster.

“I feel we’ve got even more to come this time around to finish the job and get the promotion that we deserve with the football we’ve played over the last two years.”

Manager Grainger usually utilised Clarke as a right-back in a 4-3-3 formation in 19/20 but last term, he was sometimes tasked with a wing-back role, something he took to.

“I enjoyed playing the wing-back role last season as I like to get forward as much as I can and join in with the forwards.

“I feel I can adapt to different roles in the side, so I’m looking forward to getting back into training and working on different styles of play to give us the best chance for next season.

In terms of his personal targets, Clarke stated: “I just want to get more and more consistent, add as many assists and clean sheets to the team and help us reach our aim.”

You can also read fellow Wednesday re-signings Robbie Hebson and Charlie Bowman’s interviews.