McKenna hit gold with “exceptionally gifted” Ipswich Town diamond, and he’s ready to step up

admin | May 13, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Harry Clarke signed his first professional deal with Arsenal, but he now plays for Ipswich Town, who are managed by Kieran McKenna.

Since joining the Tractor Boys in January 2023, the 23-year-old right-back has been promoted twice. He helped the team win League One before becoming a regular on the right side of Ipswich’s defence in the 2023/24 season, assisting the club in regaining promotion to the Premier League after 22 years away.

It is uncertain how much Ipswich will invest in their playing squad ahead of next season, but Clarke is optimistic that he will start the first game. The Ipswich-born right-back will be eager to demonstrate his abilities in the Premier League while representing his boyhood club. Here’s everything you need to know about Clarke’s rise to the top tier of English football.

Youth Career

Clarke was scouted by the Ipswich Academy while playing for Brantham Athletic. He finally transferred to Arsenal’s academy when he was 14 years old. Clarke’s official page at Arsenal describes him as a “hardworking central defender who can also play in midfield.” The teenage defender made 52 appearances for Arsenal’s Under 18s and Under 23s, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Following successful seasons in Arsenal’s development program, he signed a professional deal with the North London club in August 2018. This was renewed slightly over a year later, in December 2019, after which he was loaned out to several professional clubs in Scotland and England.

Professional Career

After playing development football with Arsenal, he went on loan to Oldham Athletic, where he played 35 appearances in League Two during the 2020/21 season. His loan was initially only until January 2021, but after performing under manager Harry Kewell, it was extended until the conclusion of the season. Speaking on Clarke’s impact in January 2021, Kewell stated:

“Harry has been an instant success since coming in at the start of the season.

“For a young man he’s a very taletned individual and I’m sure the supporters have enjoyed seeing the impact he has made in the heart of defence already.

“It was an incredibly easy decision to extend his loan and I’m thankful Arsenal saw that this move has already shown it’s benefits to one of their exceptionally gifted players.”

He then had two brief loan spells in Scotland with Ross County and Hibernian, both of which were cut short due to injuries and poor form. As a result, Clarke returned to England and signed on loan with Stoke City in the Championship. He appeared 20 times with the Potters, scoring twice and providing one assist.

The right-back was recalled by Arsenal in January 2023 and later joined Ipswich. This time, it was a permanent arrangement with a reported seven-figure amount. Clarke’s return to Ipswich spurred an improvement in his form, and he has since helped the team secure back-to-back promotions. Since January 2023, the right-back has scored once and provided two assists in 59 games. Clarke was a staple in McKenna’s team during the 2023/24 season, appearing 38 times across all competitions. He will be ready to make his Premier League debut when the new season begins in August 2024.

Position

Clarke primarily plays as a right-back, especially under McKenna. He appeared in 33 appearances for Ipswich last season, playing on the Tractor Boys’ right side of defence. However, he can also operate from the other side. In actuality, he played left-back five times, including a 0-0 tie away to Stoke City in January 2024. Clarke’s versatility in playing anywhere on the backline has served him well in his career thus far. He has 68 professional appearances as a centre-back, as well as representing Arsenal’s Under-18 and Under-23 teams.

Oldham signed him to play in the centre of defence because of his expertise in that position at Arsenal. Clarke appeared in 27 games at centre defender for the Latics in the 2020/21 season. He has since moved away from this position, but McKenna chose the 23-year-old to play in the centre of defence twice during last season’s League One promotion. If Ipswich suffers an injury issue on defence next season, Clarke is more than capable of playing in the middle, left, or right.

Style of Play

Clarke consistently showed promise during his loan appearances while at Arsenal. His right foot is frequently recognized as his greatest strength, with the ability to deliver high-quality crosses into the box while also scoring from long range. Clarke’s only goal of the 2023/24 season came against Blackburn, where he fired a right-footed shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. He plans to enhance his overall goal contributions in the following seasons. It is worth noting, however, that he has significantly improved defensively under McKenna. His recovery rate and ability to defend one-on-one to prevent counterattacks were critical tactical components of Ipswich’s promotion from the Championship.

When Clarke’s signing was revealed in January 2023, the Ipswich manager was asked what he might provide the club in the second half of the season. McKenna said:

“He’s one who is hopefully another great investment for the Club. We think he’s a really good football and cultural fit. Culturally, he knows the area, he knows some of the players and he knows the Club.

“He’s been to games at Portman Road before and from our conversations, he’s got a good feel for where we’re at as a team and how we do things.

“He’s had a good schooling in his time here and that continued when he moved to Arsenal. He’s physical, he has a really good right foot and he’s still got lots of room to develop.

Contract Information

Clarke’s contract at Ipswich extends until June 30, 2026. When he was signed by the Tractor Boys in 2023, they announced that the defender had signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the option to extend for another year. McKenna’s presence and forward-thinking style of play contributed significantly to the right-back’s return to the club. Coupled with the constant game time Clarke has acquired since returning his boyhood club, it is safe to conclude that he appears to be set to stay until his contract expires in 2026. His worth has undoubtedly improved over the previous year, and if any clubs come calling for him, Ipswich would be eager to reject any bids.

Clarke was greeted on the pitch by his brother, George, following the final whistle against Huddersfield Town, as Ipswich clinched promotion to the Premier League. The 23-year-old describes the “really special moment” as follows:

“I don’t think we actually spoke – we just cried.”

“It was emotional when we saw each other because it had been a bit of a rollercoaster. When I saw him, the floodgates opened.

“I wish my grandad [Terry Clarke, who was on the books with Town in the 1950s] was here to have seen it, but it was a really special moment.

“I saw my nanna as well. She was at the game then she had to leave. I went to see her two days after it and we sat and talked about everything.

“It’s special. My grandad had his links to the Club and he passed away, so to give her something to smile about and to be proud of is what I do it for.”