James Michael Neil Clarke (born 2 April 2000) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for side Boreham Wood. Born in England, he is a youth international for the Republic of Ireland.

Career Burnley Clarke came through the Academy at Burnley and earned a call up to the Republic of Ireland under-18 team in March 2018 where he earned two caps, both against Romania. He turned professional at Turf Moor in April 2018 and was named as Clarets' Scholar of the Year the following month. However he struggled with injuries in the 2018–19 season and he was allowed to leave the club after losing his place in the under-23 team.

Mansfield Town On 24 June 2019, Clarke signed a two-year deal with EFL League Two side Mansfield Town, alongside fellow Burnley youth-team graduate Aidan Stone. He made his debut in the English Football League on 20 August, coming on as an 89th-minute substitute for Hayden White in a 3–2 defeat to Leyton Orient at Field Mill. Manager John Dempster went on to hand Clarke his first start for the "Stags" four days later, in a 0–0 draw at home to Stevenage.

Solihull Moors (loan) In November 2021, he joined National League side Solihull Moors on a short-term loan. At the end of December 2021, after a successful loan spell (6 appearances and 5 clean sheets), the loan was extended to the end of the 2021–22 season.

Solihull Moors On 14 March 2022, Clarke's loan deal at Solihull Moors was made permanent, signing a deal until the end of the 2023/24 season. On 23 June 2023, Clarke signed a new two-year deal to keep him at Solihull until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Boreham Wood On 11 March 2026, Clarke signed for fellow National League club Boreham Wood.

Career statistics

+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBurnley2018–19Premier League0000000000Mansfield Town2019–20League Two1200000401602020–21League Two 20100010402021-22League Two 4000003070Total180100080270Solihull Moors (loan)2021–22National League15100—40191Solihull Moors2021–22National League15100—00151Total30200—40342Career total4821000120612

Honours Solihull Moors FA Trophy runner-up: 2023–24

References