Perhaps the most Geordie man on earth, despite playing for Sunderland. Lee Clark is a very popular man in his hometown for one simple reason, whilst contracted to the red and whites, the larger than life midfielder from Wallsend was spotted at Wembley watching his beloved Toon face Manchester United in the 1999 FA Cup final, donning a shirt with the slogan "Sad Mackem B*******", which simultaneously meant he would never have to buy a pint on the Quayside ever again and that he had pulled on a Sunderland shirt for the final time, naturally. In terms of his career in a black and white shirt, it both started and ended his life as a professional footballer. Anyone who played a part in the "Entertainers" era of the 1990's under Kevin Keegan is automatically popular, and Clark played a key role in Newcastle's promotion to and establishment in the Premier League, despite earning himself the nickname "jigsaw" for his ability to fall to pieces in the box! Clark moved onto Wearside in 1997 for a two year stint before spending six successful years at Fulham. He returned home in 2005 for a further two years before retiring and heading into coaching. His career in the dugout began with joining the last manager he ever played for, Glenn Roeder, at Norwich as his assistant, before taking the reigns at Huddersfield Town. His brand of attacking football showed his roots as he came close to promotion with The Terriers a number of times before leaving in 2012 and taking over at Birmingham City. Having swapped his maverick player image for one of a driven and serious coach, many would love to see Lee Clark as Newcastle manager one day, but reality is likely to deem that it stays as a nostalgic dream for the foreseeable future at least.
Budding football journalist, European football fan and Newcastle United season ticket holder. I have contributed to FourFourTwo.com and The Evening Chronicle.
