David Clarkson

Motherwell

Born in Bellshill, Scotland, Clarkson made his debut for local club Motherwell in December 2002, scoring his first goal nine minutes into his first starting appearance for the club, at home in an SPL match against Partick Thistle on 2 January 2003. Clarkson went on to score three goals in his first season, and was a regular from the following season, playing in the majority of matches. He scored 13 goals for Motherwell in the 2007–08 season, during which his uncle, Phil O'Donnell, collapsed and later died from heart failure during a match against Dundee United. Clarkson was later voted player of the year. Clarkson went on to wear O'Donnell's old squad number, 10, during the 2008–09 season.

Bristol City

On 29 June 2009, Clarkson joined Bristol City and signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, reportedly £800,000. Clarkson scored on his debut for Bristol City, in a 2–2 draw at Preston North End. On 6 February 2010, he scored an equaliser for Bristol City against Coventry City, the match finished 1–1. He scored his third goal for City at home to Leicester City. On 21 August 2010, Clarkson scored his first goal in the 2010–11 season in a 3–3 draw with Barnsley. He netted his second of the season in a 2–0 win over Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park, the goal in the 90th minute. On 1 May 2012, Clarkson was released by Bristol City.

Brentford (loan)

Clarkson completed a one-month loan move to Brentford on 15 September 2011 and…

Clarkson was called up by George Burley for Scotland's friendly match against the Czech Republic on 30 May 2008. He came on as a substitute in the match, and scored Scotland's only goal in the 85th minute when he took down a cross, spun and fired past Czech keeper Petr Čech. Clarkson got his second cap coming on as a substitute, in a 1–0 friendly loss to Argentina on 19 November 2008. Clarkson played for and captained the Scotland B team, in a 3–0 friendly win over the Northern Ireland B team on 6 May 2009.

Following his retirement, Clarkson returned to former club Motherwell as Head of Youth as well as coaching in their academy. In January 2023, he was named academy director.

Clarkson's uncle Phil O'Donnell played alongside him at Motherwell, before his death in 2007. He has several other family members who have been professional footballers. His cousin Stephen O'Donnell last played for Clyde and another cousin Brian Dempsie previously played for Motherwell.