Peter Clarke

Everton

Clarke started his career with Everton, signing his first professional contract in January 1999. He made his senior debut in 2001 against Coventry City. He made just nine appearances in the Premier League, largely in the unfamiliar position of right-back, rather than his preferred centre-half position. In August 2002, he went on out loan to Blackpool, where he made 16 league appearances, scoring three goals (two of which came on his home debut) in a three-month loan spell. His performances played a large part in the "Seasiders" stringing together a run of clean sheets and rising to the edge of the 2002–03 play-off picture. Despite manager Steve McMahon's best efforts, a permanent deal did not materialise, and Clarke returned to Goodison Park in early November. In February 2003, he went out on loan again, this time to Port Vale, also of the Second Division, where he made 13 appearances in another three months. He won praise from manager Brian Horton for his strong work ethic. He spent February 2004 on loan at First Division Coventry City, playing five games. His contract with Everton expired at the end of the 2003–04 season, and he turned down the club's offer of a new contract, though he remained at the club on a month-to-month contract.

Blackpool

In September 2004, Clarke signed for Blackpool, then managed by Colin Hendry, initially on a one-month loan but with an agreement to make the move permanent, for £150,000. When Clarke joined, Blackpool…

Clarke represented his county at all youth levels, having gained England under-21 honours and captained England from Under-16 to Under-21 levels. He made his debut for the England Under-21 team in 2002 as a substitute against Slovakia Under-21s. He gained eight caps for the under-21 side between 2002 and 2003.

Clarke is a defender with power and good aerial ability. According to The Athletic, he has also "mastered the dark arts" of "time-wasting, physical battles with forwards and words with referees".

Clarke has four children as of 2022. His mother and father attended every game he played until the COVID-19 pandemic caused games to be played behind closed doors.