Tom Clarke announced his retirement from football as he confirmed his role at Preston North End

Former Preston North End captain Tom Clarke has retired from football at the age of 35 due to a knee injury.

A Lilywhites legend, Clarke retired after playing 450 games in his career, almost half of which came in his seven years as a PNE defender. On doctor’s advice, the defender was forced to withdraw due to a persistent knee injury. Clarke’s newest club, Halifax Town, announced the news on Sunday evening.

Clarke will forever be remembered in Deepdale, where he served justice. His start as a PNE player couldn’t have gone much better, with the defender scoring the winner in the final – at home – against arch-rivals Blackpool. Clarke captained North End in their play-off final victory over Swindon Town, at Wembley, before promotion to the Championship for another five years.

In total, Clarke made 247 appearances for Preston and scored 15 goals. He played under Simon Grayson and Alex Neil, both managers placed enormous faith in Clarke as a player but also as a leader. Hailed as ‘Super Tommy Clarke’, the impression he makes on his teammates is evident – with a number of current and former PNE players commenting on Clarke’s Instagram post confirming accept this decision. His message read:
“Unfortunately, I have chosen to retire from professional football due to persistent knee injuries. Following my surgeon’s advice and discussion with my family, I decided that it was the right time to hang up my boots. It’s been a very difficult few months for me to come to terms with this.

“I am so grateful to have had a career in soccer and to have played the sport I love for over 20 years with so many highs. Thank you all for your support during this time. An even bigger thank you to my family, without whose support over the years this would not have been possible. I now look forward to my next steps as a football coach and am grateful to have the opportunity to return to @pnefcofficial in their academy to help and guide the next generation. Clarkey 💙

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Preston North End are no closer to upgrading the club’s academy to category two status – and club director Peter Ridsdale believes this is largely down to an “absurd” rule.

The Lilywhites play bottom of the third tier, although a number of young players have been rewarded with professional contracts in recent years – and have also made their first-team debuts. North End Academy has achieved some success at Cat-3 level, but the need to progress through the levels has been recognised. However, a prerequisite for clubs wanting to enter the second tier is an indoor football facility, or ‘dome’. PNE explored options in the town, but the search was unsuccessful – as the PlayFootball facilities based at Tulketh High School did not meet the size requirements. Ridsdale does not consider these specific criteria necessary.

“I think that’s completely absurd,” Ridsdale said. “And I told the Football Association. To be fair to them, it’s a Premier League requirement – because the academy system is run by the Premier League, not the Football League. When I met with them last year to review my thoughts on the academy, I said:
“Please tell me why you need an indoor installation.” I really don’t understand. If you have everything else, this has to do with developing the child’s appropriate level on the field, coach – why do you need a