JohnClarke

Former player

About John

Left-back John Clarke joined the club in March 2026, on loan from Reading until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 21-year-old defender arrived at Arbour Park looking to gain valuable senior minutes, bringing energy and attacking quality to the Rebels’ left flank for the remainder of the campaign.

Born in Manchester, Clarke began his career with Stockport Town before joining the academy setup at Port Vale in 2021. His performances quickly attracted attention and he moved to Reading in June 2022 to join the club’s Under-23 programme.

Clarke made his senior debut for the Royals early in the 2022/23 season, coming off the bench in a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium. Unfortunately, a knee ligament injury later that season curtailed his progress, but he has since returned to full fitness and continued his development, earning new contract extensions along the way.

Internationally, Clarke has represented the Republic of Ireland under-19 team, making his debut in a 2-0 win over Wales during qualification for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

An attack-minded left-back, Clarke is known for his willingness to get forward and support the attack, while also providing defensive balance down the flank.