True club legends are a rare and hugely precious breed in professional football.
It is therefore with an enormous sense of gratitude that Oldham Athletic pays thanks to Peter Clarke as his time at Boundary Park comes to an end at the conclusion of the current season.
Clarkey, who first joined in July 2016 and has represented the club with the highest level of grace, quality and professionalism throughout his 139 appearances, will say goodbye as his loan from Walsall comes to an end after Saturday’s game against Bromley.
We all have our own individual memories when we think of Clarkey’s performances at the heart of the Latics defence, often wearing the captain’s armband as he did with such distinction during his first spell with the club.
There are moments that will be forever etched in Latics history, from the piledriver at Crewe in 2018 to his heroics in the FA Cup win at Fulham, and the crucial goals against Chesterfield and Rochdale which triggered scenes of pure joy in the stands and will never be forgotten.
That Clarkey continues to play at the age of 41, returning to Boundary Park initially in November before his loan was extended until the end of the season and encompassing the 900th game of an exceptional career, is a measure of his standing in the game.
Whenever he has pulled on an Oldham shirt, Clarkey’s standards always been of the very highest order and, as a club, it is our privilege to have shared so many special moments with him.
Reflecting on his two spells at Latics, Peter said: “I look back at my time at Oldham with great fondness. There have been some really good times, a number of special moments and of course some tough times along the way too.
“There are lots of things I look back on that I’m quite proud of. In my first season I scored the goal against Rochdale to make us mathematically safe, that’s something I remember particularly fondly.
“There are moments I will always remember with pride and affection, and the games against Chesterfield and Fulham are also incredibly special. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Oldham, it is a club that will always mean a lot to me and I would like to thank everyone here for playing such a big part in my career.”
Manager David Unsworth said: “Clarkey has been a true professional and we have benefited hugely from him being part of the squad this season.
“He’s brought all of the experience, knowhow and professionalism that I would have expected to the group, and that’s been massive for us both on the off he pitch.
“I played alongside Clarkey in his first senior game for Everton. He has enjoyed a marvellous career, has been a great ambassador for this club in both of his spells and I know how much he is appreciated by everyone around the place.”
CEO Darren Royle said: “Peter’s standing in the game is second to none and he will always have a special place in the affections of everyone at Boundary Park.
“The love that everyone has for Peter around the club speaks for itself and we have all enjoyed having him back at what we believe is his rightful home this season.
“Peter is the very definition of a consummate professional, he has been a supreme leader in both of his spells at the club and we know that supporters will turn up in their numbers on Saturday to recognise everything Peter has done in an Oldham shirt.”
