Leon Clarke

[Eric Cartman]

I’m not sure that’s completely true. Clarke had played 3 games this season before Donaldson was signed. I don’t remember him looking out of his depth at any point

He didn’t look great. We looked very poor upfront, Billy apart, until we shyness Donaldson. I firmly believe that spurred Clarke on.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Our only 'complete' forward. Able to play on his own or in a pair with anyone. Big enough to battle in the air with every CB but mobile enough to chase down full backs. Decent technique and a powerful shot.

You can see why he kept getting chances at lots of clubs. He's got all the attributes to be a star. But even last year there were times when he looked disinterested - despite the fact that he had his best ever season. He's definitely fell short of where his ability could have taken him. Burnley paid £10m for Chris Wood and I'd say Leon has similar attributes

 

[PokerBlade]

Given the season has ended I'd like to smugly point out that I said he was a good signing all along.

 

[Hamburg Blade]

I thought with the season over, it would be a good oppurtunity to praise Leon Clarke. The fact we didn't end the season as well as we started shouldn't take away from what a fantastic season he's had individually.

I say this not only because he was the third top scorer and the highest from open play, but because he's exceeded my expectations to a great degree.

I was doubtful whether our strike force was going to be enough to keep us in the division pre-season. While we are surely still missing a bit of youth and pace it's hard to say Sharp and Clarke haven't delivered in terms of goals - they both have a tally to be proud of.

Clarke's 'Journeyman' career is well documented, but you may not know that this year's tally of 18 equals his best personal tally; at Coventry (13/14) - In league one. I think it's fair to say he's had the best season of his career and I'm glad we got to witness it rather than his previous clubs.

Speaking of his previous clubs, his tally of 18 equals his record during his entire 3 years at Wednesday - I guess they struggle to utilise good players? Seems like it with Rhodes.

Anyway, ramble over. Congratulations Leon.

Like whore.

 

[grafikhaus]

Scored 4 against Hull and missed 3 more. His side foot goal at the kop end was one of the seasons highlights for me

On 4th November, Leon Clarke scored all four goals in a 4-1 home win against Hull City. This was the first 4-goal haul for a United player since Keith Edwards scored all four in a 4-0 win at home to Gillingham on Aug. 27, 1983.
This was the start of a run where Leon scored nine goals in four games. For me, our Player of the Season. Some great assists and contributions from others, but Leon provided the killer touch. Did he miss a few? Yup, like every other striker on the planet.

 

[Pinchy]

On 4th November, Leon Clarke scored all four goals in a 4-1 home win against Hull City. This was the first 4-goal haul for a United player since Keith Edwards scored all four in a 4-0 win at home to Gillingham on Aug. 27, 1983.
This was the start of a run where Leon scored nine goals in four games. For me, our Player of the Season. Some great assists and contributions from others, but Leon provided the killer touch. Did he miss a few? Yup, like every other striker on the planet.

...including Billy Sharp, but nobody notices that.

 

[Beans]

...including Billy Sharp, but nobody notices that.

Or Mo Salah, who despite playing out of his mind this season, has missed more of Opta's "Big Chances" than any other player in the Prem

 

[DronnieBlade]

...including Billy Sharp, but nobody notices that.

Oh dear.

Technically, visibly, statistically

UTB

 

[Revolution]

On 4th November, Leon Clarke scored all four goals in a 4-1 home win against Hull City. This was the first 4-goal haul for a United player since Keith Edwards scored all four in a 4-0 win at home to Gillingham on Aug. 27, 1983.
This was the start of a run where Leon scored nine goals in four games.

I am still amazed that United only won 2 of those 4 games, drawing v Brum and losing to Fulham of course. We would have got the same points if Clarke had scored just 3 goals (2 v Hull and 1 v Birmingham: Sharp's 2 v Burton would have been enough). Very frustrating.

King Keith also got four at Wrexham later the same season (though that was in the FA Cup).

We are playing with house money re Clarke. I never thought we'd get this much out of him. Credit to him and Wilder. He's been such a journeyman that his 26 league goals for us are more than he's scored for any of his other clubs.

 

[Sheffsteel]

We make an icon out of someone who the pigs thought were shite, what’s not to like!

Well done Leon and try to keep it up. He’s done a good job so far, hopefully he’ll help us to maintain our improvement whilst pissing those off at the same time, I love it!

I’ve spoke to several SW fans.
Although they say he ultimately failed at SWFC due to being inconsistsnt and lazy.

They all say that they could see Leon had talent and big potential.

Leon is one of those players that’s probably wasted his talent and under achieved during his career.
So it’s great for him....that when he’s coming into the twilight of his career, he’s finally delivered
And shown the football world just how good he is. Well done Leon!

 

[Guesty]

I am still amazed that United only won 2 of those 4 games, drawing v Brum and losing to Fulham of course. We would have got the same points if Clarke had scored just 3 goals (2 v Hull and 1 v Birmingham: Sharp's 2 v Burton would have been enough). Very frustrating.

United were absolutely wretched at converting Clarke's goals into points, a failing that continued right to the end of the season. Yet apparently Leon is the one to blame according to plenty on the Kop (and here).

 

[Revolution]

United were absolutely wretched at converting Clarke's goals into points, a failing that continued right to the end of the season. Yet apparently Leon is the one to blame according to plenty on the Kop (and here).

Clarke had a run of games where he looked lacklustre and didn't score - the 10 games after Derby to be precise. He missed chances, as did Sharp, but both of them were net positives. Personally I would have given Leon a game off in that run as he was in a bit of a rut, or at least subbed him once in a while and tried something else.

I'd put Clarke in our top 3 performers from last year with Fleck and O'Connell.

People who think Clarke and Sharp are primarily responsible for us missing the playoffs don't understand what they are watching IMHO.

 

[Iceybabey]

Scored 4 against Hull and missed 3 more. His side foot goal at the kop end was one of the seasons highlights for me

Which foot was it? I've watched the vid a million times and still cannot work it out.

 

[Iceybabey]

Clarke had a run of games where he looked lacklustre and didn't score - the 10 games after Derby to be precise. He missed chances, as did Sharp, but both of them were net positives. Personally I would have given Leon a game off in that run as he was in a bit of a rut, or at least subbed him once in a while and tried something else.

I'd put Clarke in our top 3 performers from last year with Fleck and O'Connell.

People who think Clarke and Sharp are primarily responsible for us missing the playoffs don't understand what they are watching IMHO.

Missed Freeman's goals. From what I saw in the Preston game and Brizzle away, Freeman would have prob scored a minimum of 8 league goals this season had he been fit.

 

[cahill]

Which foot was it? I've watched the vid a million times and still cannot work it out.

I was in BLUT, looked fantastic from where I was, seemed to be running away from the goal, seemed to somehow glance ball with left foot I think, can’t remember the other three he got

 

[cahill]

Clarke had a run of games where he looked lacklustre and didn't score - the 10 games after Derby to be precise. He missed chances, as did Sharp, but both of them were net positives. Personally I would have given Leon a game off in that run as he was in a bit of a rut, or at least subbed him once in a while and tried something else.

I'd put Clarke in our top 3 performers from last year with Fleck and O'Connell.

People who think Clarke and Sharp are primarily responsible for us missing the playoffs don't understand what they are watching IMHO.

Good shout that. Thought Bash had a good un as well

 

[super_pig]

So Donaldson thinks he contributed to our finishing 10th. Well he surely fucking did - a decent Striker instead of him and we would have been in the playoffs. IMO of course.

that's harsh.. he scored a couple of important goals AFAIR and always gave it his all.. GLTTL

 

[super_pig]

Scored 4 against Hull and missed 3 more. His side foot goal at the kop end was one of the seasons highlights for me

hey guys. heads up.. all strikers miss.. even Messi and Ron.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Agree with everything the OP says, but I must admit I'm not very confident of going into the new season with Sharp and Clarke as our two main striking options.

I think Clarke has had a good season overall, but he's been poor really since around Christmas. It was a season of two-halves for him. I was one of few on here who was positive about us signing him in the first place, because from what I'd seen of him previously at Bury and other clubs, I thought he'd be great for what we needed. And so he has been - overall. But it's also true to say that he's one of the most prolific missers of easy chances I've ever seen play for United. Without exaggeration, if Clarke had put 50% of those missed sitters away this season he'd have finished on 30 goals. There are times when he doesn't seem to be in control of his own feet - hence the "air shots" which have brought much mirth from opposing fans on occasions. However, he holds the ball up well, he works hard, he wins a lot in the air actually and flicks the ball on well with his head and when he does "finish" he does it well.

The biggest concern for me with Clarke is he waxes and wanes like the moon. You're not quite sure which Leon Clarke is going to turn up. Prior to us signing him I thought his regular injury problems would be the biggest issue with him, but no, it's really more about him having personal highs and lows of form that leave me with doubt.

I think both Clarke and Sharp are still going to be key players for us this coming season - but really, we should be looking to them as back-up now and aiming to sign players who are an improvement on both, in terms of youth, pace, (and height possibly).

 

[finlaytheblade]

Missed Freeman's goals. From what I saw in the Preston game and Brizzle away, Freeman would have prob scored a minimum of 8 league goals this season had he been fit.

Definitely missed Freeman he has the knack of being in the right pla e at the right time and is a good finisher.Wilder gives our fullbacks licence to attack and he is better at it than Boldock.
Boldock is improving but flatters to deceive as his final ball and pick of pass let's hhim down,plenty to work on though and will get better with experience

 

[mattbianco1]

Leon Clarke has also scored more goals for us than any other club.

I think the next bit is true as well but - I think he has scored more goals AGAINST the Blades than any other player. There used to be a website to show who your main Achilles heel was and I'm sure Clarke is ours. I've just checked back and he has scored 7 goals against us.

1 for Bury
4 for Coventry
1 for Scunthorpe
1 for Wolves

Has any player scored more than 7 against us?

Shearer was always Wednesdays