Sir Steve Clarke

Born 29th August 1963 in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire

Beith – St Mirren

Beith Juniors’ Bellsdale Park was the venue for his introduction to football. St Mirren turned up a week early for their friendly match against the physical Ayrshire-men in the summer of 1979 and the locals, unprepared and outnumbered, scrambled to field a team. Then an oversized jersey was thrown in the direction of a 15-year-old Sir Steve and his impressive performance sufficiently
tickled the professionals from Paisley to offer him an S-form on the spot.

An 18-month stint sweeping the Love Street terraces as an apprentice was followed by a season-long character building exercise at Beith and upon returning to Paisley in 1982, he made his debut as an 18-year-old against Ayr United.

For a teenager who had turned up at
Beith Juniors by chance, the roller-coaster ride proved riotous. His emergence was rewarded with inclusion in the Scotland under-19 squad for the World Youth Cup in Mexico and Clarke’s impact was integral to Scotland’s surge to the quarter finals.

Indeed, his winner against the hosts in the group stage almost sparked a pitch invasion as 100,000 natives expressed their disgust with a shower of bottles and hail of abuse.

Clarke would make 200 appearances for the Buddies from 1982-1987. A versatile player but predominantly a right back he mustered up 7 goals in his time at Love street.

In February 1987 John Hollins Chelsea Manager had bid of £422,000 accepted for a 24 year old Clarke by the buddies and he never looked back. St Mirren would go on to win the cup three months after his departure.

Chelsea

The young Ayrshire man quickly made the right back position his own at Stamford Bridge. Quickly becoming a fans favourite with the Blues faithful. He would receive his first of six Scotland caps months after joining the London club, playing in a 2-0 win over Hungary. Steve would go on to make 421 appearances with Chelsea in an 11 year stay at the club. It wouldn’t be till 1997 nearly ten years after joining he would win his first honour as a player. Winning the 1997 FA Cup At Wembley in a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough. The following season he would win another medal in the league cup this time with another 2-0 win over Middlesbrough again.

Clarke would only feature last 15 minutes in a team that had Zola running riot. The same season they reached final of UEFA Cup winners cup in Stockholm their opponents would be VfB Stuttgart. Chelsea would run out 1-0 winners as your man Clarke captained his club on what would be his final ever appearance in football and the age of 35 to win the cup. He bowed out having won the double that season and retired at 35. 2004/2005 The once naive Ayrshire lad would be voted in Chelsea’s centenary year their greatest ever right back. An outstanding accomplishment in a fantastic career. He is currently sitting 8th in Chelsea’s all time appearance list. Names above him include Lampard, Terry, Hollins, Ron Harris.


Coaching

Newcastle Utd

After retiring he joined up with ex Chelsea boss Ruud Guillt at the Magpies as assistant coach. Newcastle managed to get to Fa Cup final that season unfortunately falling to a 2-0 defeat to a excellent Manchester United side.

Chelsea
The return of the Clark

After a couple of years coaching in the youth teams at Chelsea he was promoted to assistant manager to the Special one. Mourinho has a great relationship with him. Steve was part of a Chelsea revolution that won two league titles, two league cups and an FA cup in three seasons. Abramovich has created an exceptional team with many stars. During this time he completed his Pro Licence to allow him to become a manager. Clarke would resign the following season after being kept on to serve under Avram Grant. Chelsea assured him of his status at club and thanked him for his services.

West Ham
Joining up with Ex teammate Zola at the hammers he helped them finish 9th in the league which was a great achievement at the time. New contracts for both of them would see Clarke have highest assistant manager salary in the Premiership. Next season a turn for the worst as West Ham narrowly escaped the drop. Leaving by mutual consent after sacking of Zola.

Liverpool
Brief spell at Liverpool with Kenny Dalglish started off brightly but ended in drama as manager was sacked and Clarke’s resignation wasn’t accepted but eventually after appointing Brendan Rodgers they sacked him so he says.

  
West Brom
A magnificent first job as a manager, great opportunity saw the Baggies finish 8th in the Premier league. Highlight of season being a 5-5 draw in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last match as united manager. Now United’s 90 million pound player Lukaku getting four.
Steve was unfortunate to be sacked the following season after being put in gardening leave before Christmas.

Reading
Got reading to there first FA cup semi final in 88 years and was offered Fulham job before being sacked a few weeks later.

Aston Villa
Joining up with yet another ex teammate Di Matteo at Villa Park. A largely average spell as assistant came to an end as he wasn’t retained after Bruce replaced Di Matteo in late 2016.

Killie
He came he saw he conquered. A revelation. He transformed a club who were on their knees. What a man. He personally has given me a burning desire to go to as many games as possible. His clear instructions and tactical abilities are sublime. His dismissal of approaches from the Rangers and Scotland are glorious. He is the highest pedigree manager in our history and a total legend. Leader. Viva Steve Clarke. Cannot wait to see him lift a trophy in. One of our own.

Forever and Ever