Clarkey's Comeback

Defender Clarke turned down the offer of a new contract with Southend after the Essex club lost to Doncaster in the League One play-offs.

Clarke, who still has 12 months to run on his current deal, told the Gazette recently that he had 'unfinished business' at Blackpool, sparking speculation that a move back to Bloomfield Road could be on the cards.

The former Everton man has since said that he doesn't want to leave Southend, depsite being on the transfer list at Roots Hall.

The 26-year-old made over 100 appearances for Blackpool in two spells with the club. In his second stint, under Colin Hendry, he was made captain and almost single-handedly saved the team from relegation to League Two.

Clarkey scored 18 goals for the Seasiders and was always a firm favourite with the fans thanks to his whole-hearted displays, oozing quality.

Since signing for Southend on the eve of the 2006/07 season for £250,000, Clarke has played over 90 times for Steve Tilson's side.

Clarke has experience of Championship level when he was an ever present in the Southend team which was relegated in its first season in the second tier of English football.

A move for the defender surely hinges on the future of Kaspars Gorkss, with the Latvian being heavily linked with a number of Championship sides including QPR and Norwich.

No-one can doubt Clarke's attitude and I for one believe he has the quality to succeed at this level. Most Pool fans would welcome Peter back to the club, though there's bound to be a few who haven't forgiven him for walking out of the club days before the start of a new season.

If Kaspars leaves, would you like to see Clarkey become a Seasider again? Or would you welcome Peter back regardless of whether Gorkss goes or stays? Or have we got enough defensive options now Marlon Broomes has signed?

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.