Why Billy Clarke had no hesitation on Bradford City return

Unlike countless others, the old year – professionally-wise at least – was a pretty decent one as he secured a move back to his beloved Bradford City, a club where he feels he belongs.

They say ‘never go back’, but Clarke never had any doubts.

Of course, the Corkonian – in his third spell with the Bantams – wishes that things had gone better this season from a team perspective, with Stuart McCall paying the price for the club’s poor start to the campaign when he was sacked last month.

But in the winter of his playing career at 33, the fact that Clarke – who rejoined in the summer – has been a regular when fit has been rewarding, as has playing his part in City’s recent mini-upturn when it comes to results.

He said: “It never crossed my mind that this could backfire.

“I have always had the best interests in my heart that I was going to do well and I have confidence in myself and I work hard off the pitch.

“I never thought it wouldn’t be a good decision and I always wanted to come back. I was excited when the opportunity came. There is still a long way to go in this season and I think with the foundations and building blocks we have now, we can kind of build on those and get through the next few games and see where it takes us.

“It has been a tough year for everyone, but personally, it has been good for me.

“I have come back to Bradford, which I have always wanted to do and come off the back of playing 12 or 13 games for Grimsby and 12 or 13 (here) and I have played regularly and that is what I always wanted to do.

“There have been times where it has been difficult, but we have just got to get on with it and stick together.”

Clarke professes satisfaction at his levels of involvement, but at his senior age, also accepts that being rested on the odd occasion and rotation will also come into the equation. He added: “I know there will be times where I will be pulled out because of fatigue or just rotation as we have got some good players here and we are going to rotate like we did on Boxing Day.

“There are going to be times when I don’t play and times when I feel good and am ready to go.

“That will be the manager’s call, but as long as I am fit, I will be happy and as long as I am contributing, I will be.”

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