In Profile... Danny Clarke of North Ferriby FC & Bridlington Town
In Profile... Danny Clarke North Ferriby FC & Bridlington Town
Name: Danny Clarke
Position: Semi
retired centre forward
Current Club: North Ferriby FC (dual registration with Bridlington Town)
Previous clubs: Alfreton Town, Halifax Town, North Ferriby United, Hull United,
Frickley Athletic, Winterton Rangers, Hall Road Rangers.
Team supported growing up? Manchester United & Hull City
Childhood hero? I loved R9 and Eric Cantona, Ronaldo was incredible, I bought
all of his boots when they were released and all the Brazil shirts. Most kids
had a Man Utd shirt with the collar up when I was growing up.
Biggest influence? Billy Heath - I was very lucky in my career that I had someone
that believed in me and in turn someone that I wanted to do well for.
Favourite current player? I don’t watch alot of professional football anymore, I find it
a tough watch but I do enjoy watching Neymar as he’s so unpredictable but an
incredible talent.
Best ground you’ve played at? Wembley Stadium
Best friend in football? I probably speak with Tom Nicholson and Josh Clackstone more
than anyone else on a regular basis now Im not playing Football as much.
Best player you’ve played against & why? I played against a young Jamie Vardy whilst he was
unknown at Stocksbridge Park Steels. I remember getting subbed off and felt
both relieved and puzzled as to what had just happened.
Footballing Night out You & 4
others. Who’s getting an invite? Steve Ridley, Josh Clackstone, Bobby Carroll, Tom Nicholson
Your
All time 5 a side team of players you have played with?
Tough
one as 5 aside is a lot different to 11 aside so opting for best 5 aside
players on this…
1 Keeper: - Adam
Nicklin - Shot Stopper, Big Presence
1 Defender: - Levi
Tarbotton - Played with some brilliant solid defenders but Ive opted for a Ball
playing defender.
2 Midfielders: - Russell Fry - I could Never tackle him
Matty Kosylo - Tricky winger with goals
1 Striker – Nathan
Jarman - Hardest shot I’ve seen!
Best moment of your career? FA Trophy Win 2015
Go to initiation song? Always managed to get out of it somehow for 20 years. If forced
it would be something like Lucky Man or Champagne Supernova.
Pre match meal? Bag of Haribo & Fizzy Red Lucozade, I can’t each and carry
too much before a game.
Messi or Ronaldo? Ronaldo
You’ve played at every step in the non league pyramid, as you
moved from step to step, what were the biggest differences you noticed &
what step do you think had the biggest jump in quality? The jump from National North to the National League was
the biggest step, at North Ferriby it was tough as 90% of the squad had left.
But the Halifax period was tough too despite a great early start. The
overnights, long away days against full time teams took its toll with the
Physicality & Pace of the game being the biggest change.
For those that don’t know, you’re heavily involved in Futsal
too. National Futsal League & East Riding Futsal Chairman. How has Futsal
helped your 11 a side career? So, I found Futsal whilst I was playing at Halifax. I was
struggling with confidence as the fans were giving me some stick before I
really settled in. Futsal was something extra I started to get me on the ball
and I really felt it helped me improve both psychologically and technically. My
involvement in Futsal ranges from 6 year olds to adults and we have something
running every day of the week.
And for anyone reading this that
wants to give Futsal a try. What would be your words of advice? Futsal is a great version of Football especially in terms
of its rules, such as a stop clock, rolling subs and foul counts. It’s really
high paced and incredibly physical. It’s ideal for young players looking to
improve their technical skills and older players like myself who maybe can’t
run for 90 minutes like they once could. I highly recommend it to everyone, and
you will be surprised to hear there is a Futsal Club in most areas. I’m happy
for anyone to contact me directly and I will point them in the right direction
as I also Chair the National Futsal League as a volunteer.
Thank you Danny for taking time to answer the questions above and best of luck for the rest of your season
If you’re a player reading this and would like to be profiled. Please just drop me a message as I would love to feature you.
Until the next one
Peace
Luke @PL2NL
