Clive Clark, the former West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End footballer, has sadly died in a Scarborough nursing home, aged 73, after many years of ill-health.
Nicknamed ‘Chippy’, he was a brave, fast and direct winger who, throughout his career, scored more than his fair share of goals.
North End were at the wrong end of the Second Division when they signed Chippy back in January 1970 for £20,000 from Queens Park Rangers.
The larger-than-life character, then aged 29, was , in all fairness, past his peak, due to injuries received from disgruntled defenders but he still gave his all to the North End cause, but still could not help North End stave off relegation.
Having nearly 400 appearances under his belt, his experience was to help Preston North End return back to the Second Division at the first attempt, under the leadership of new manager, Alan Ball.
Despite starting his career at Leeds United, his hometown club, he is mainly recognised for his spell with West Brom, who signed him from Queens Park Rangers in 1961.
He was an FA cup winner with WBA and was an England U/23 international. His eye for goal was rewarded many a time and one season was West Brom’s leading goalscorer with 29 league and cup goals.
He managed 83 appearances for Preston, scoring 11 goals, before being transferred to Southport. He later played for non-league Telford before going to America to play for Washington Diplomats, Dallas Tornados and Philadelphia Fury.
Our condolences and thoughts go to his family and friends.