A reasonable question about Clarkey on his weekly blog Tuesday evening, which Mr. Martin noted he'd covered in the past, but then went on to give further explanation behind the signing, or non-signing, by centre half and fan favourite Peter Clarke of a new contract in the summer.
Now it's the fact Mrs. Clarke will have a little Peter to worry about and having mummy-in-law around to help will be a problem because they all live in Southport. Well he won't want to go back there, the Blue Square North, and we've got the longer pier. (Though there's is the oldest! Was there in 1972, Easter Monday I think, Grim special I'm sure, Gary Moore smashed the winner home as I was standing right behind the goal. May be quite a while before I see it again!)
There does seem to be a problem here, Clarkey and his agent are playing the game, however annoying, and Uncle Ron seems to be pissed that some Shrimpers are holding him to account.
Should be water off a duck's back mate. I think we all accept that if any Championship team or a League One side with some dosh came in he'd be off or he would have signed an extension last year.
Now he's a frebbie and it's just the wages to worry about al la Gower I can't see him staying, if he does great but, if we have to sign a replacement, as long as we get someone in before August 7, and that has been promised, no worries. (As long as said replacement is good of course, if not Dervite, has he got a brother?)
In fact a lastest rumour on the Shrimperzone message board is Leeds are taking an interest, their manager Simon Grayson knew Clarkey when they were both at Blackpool, so there could be truth in that one.
Mr. Martin continued: "I am sure many of the fans will appreciate that I cannot drag Peter kicking and screaming. As to whether he signs is entirely a matter for him with undoubted input from his agent and quite proper influence from Peter's family. I do not know if Peter Clarke will sign but he met with Steve Tilson on Friday morning and has confirmed he is now willing to talk. The point being is I wonder whether fans really do think that a club can sign a player just because a club wants to. The fact is of course we cannot. There are so many things which impact on a player's decision.
OK Ron, your innocent on all charges, move on. I think the majority of Shrimpers have.