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News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
By ComeonyouSaints.com
February 2 2010
Northampton Saints today announced that Jon Clarke will remain at Franklin's Gardens for the foreseeable future after signing a new contract with the club. The 26-year-old has been a first team regular since his try-scoring debut as an Academy player in 2003, a season in which he won the Young Player of the Year award.
Jon Clarke Re-Signs For Saints
 
 
 
Jon Clarke
RedHat
 
 
 
But it was when Clarke, who to that point had been a wing-cum-full back, moved to outside centre in 2005 that his career stepped up a gear. As well as playing in every game that season Clarke was selected for England ‘A', an honour repeated last weekend when he was included on the England Saxons bench against Ireland ‘A'.
 
This season Clarke, who was part of the Saints team that won the European Challenge cup last May, has been back to his best. His 18 appearances thus far have yielded six tries - two in the Heineken Cup and four in the Guinness Premiership, which sees Clarke fourth in the league's try scoring table.
 
Having been at the Saints for six-and-a-half years, Clarke says that it was an easy decision to sign another contract with the club.
 
"I always wanted to stay at Northampton," he said. "I'm glad to get the deal done. It's good to know your future and it's good to know that I'll be at a decent club that's going somewhere. Jim and Dorian are staying as well so we'll have good coaches and a bit of continuity. I'm looking forward to the next couple of years and hopefully I can keep playing to a decent standard and be in the starting team.

"This year is massive for us. We're top four in the Guinness Premiership and in every competition. I'm fortunate to be playing. Everyone's excited and proud of what's going on. But we've got a long way to go and will have to up our game. But we're enjoying it and it's good.
 
"A lot of the guys are signing on again and I don't know why we can't continue to move forward. We are setting our own standards and there's no point getting to this point if we think we can have a jolly next year. We don't want that and the Saints fans don't want that. We owe them as well. They turn up and fill the stadium. This town is proud of its rugby and I'm proud to play here."
 
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that Clarke still has plenty of good years in front of him at Franklin's Gardens.
 
"Jon is an excellent player in both attack and defence," the Saints boss said. "He always asks questions of the opposition when he gets the ball in his hands and has the superb ability of being able to defend and win the ball back for us in the tackle.
 
"Jon has been around for a long time and it is easy to forget that he is still in his mid-twenties. So there is no reason why he cannot keep improving, both physically and in his understanding of the game, and continue to be a big player for us in the years to come."


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News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:52

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: Saintly Pursuit (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:26

offy

Excellent news and a great quote:

Quote:
Jon Clarke
A lot of the guys are signing on again and I don't know why we can't continue to move forward. We are setting our own standards and there's no point getting to this point if we think we can have a jolly next year. We don't want that and the Saints fans don't want that. We owe them as well. They turn up and fill the stadium. This town is proud of its rugby and I'm proud to play here

Re: Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: Saint Norwich (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:28

Fantastic news (Sm60)

Re: Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:29

Phew!

Cheers Jon.

Re: Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:32

Now that's a LOT LOT LOT LOT LOT LOT LOT better!

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Re: Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: Lloydie (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:32

Great news to start the day with!

Re: Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:37

Great news indeed.

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Re: Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:38

i'm happier to read that than any of our other players.

no offence to them mind.

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@robbyrichmond

Re: Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: Thrupp artist (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:42

Well done Clarkey - I always remember seeing him in his first game for us in the Wandies (at full back) and thinking now there's an interesting player!

Re: Clarke Re-Signs
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 07:54

Sorry Guys & Gals Overslept or it would have been up at 6am - see above!!

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David L

What it really is



If somebody says: "it's not the money, it's the principle" - It's the money

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 08:09

SUPER DOOPER DOOPER SUPER WHOPEE! Proper good news indeedy

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Shaddo (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 08:12

Top player, top bloke, I'm delighted.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Wee Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 08:16

Excellent news - one of the quiet achievers.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: StBleach (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 08:32

Great news indeed.. it lifts a grey cold February morning - well done JC.. Could not believe its been 7 years!

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: smurfomatic (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 09:04

Great news, even though he's still young he's one of our most capped players - keep it up JC!

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Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: St_Bart (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 09:06

(Sm152)
deeelighted!!

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: caprisaint (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 09:07

Fantastic news cheered up a miserable Wednesday a player in his prime!!!! Thanks Jon

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Ben Johnson (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 09:16

Great news! (Sm46)

AKA John Benson

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Chris Hoddle (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 09:30

More good news! Well done Jon

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Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: MoANjAm (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 09:33

whatever...















(Sm12)

"Oi Tuilagi - Get 'yer hair cut!"

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Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: broonie (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 09:52

that's a relief. there were a couple of clubs sniffing around, by all accounts.these are good re-signings we're seeing.

after all the shenanigans of our dire period, it was a great feeling to see wee tam stick around and end his career at saints with dignity and mutual regard. the same will hopefully be true of bruza, but each of them came to us in mid-career.

i know it's becoming more rare, but i wonder if JC might end up being a one-club man ?

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: pksaint (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 10:11

Fantastic news. (Sm128)

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: ClaireJ (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 10:14

Excellent news!thumbs down

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 10:51

Broonie, I’d like that, but he's only 26.

A copule more contract negotiations in him yet (I would like them all to be exclusively with Saints, of course).

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Ha! Wasn't Me (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 11:08

Brilliant.

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Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: borislucynli (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 11:22

Just an all round great great guy. Thanks for staying

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 11:24

The wording suggest that this might be a long contract (?) - 3 yrs?

VERY GOOD NEWS

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David L

What it really is



If somebody says: "it's not the money, it's the principle" - It's the money

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Howlin (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 11:34

Good to hear but I've just heard Kruger may be leaving (Sm17)

Saint til I die

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: tedge (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 11:38

Good news. What impact, if any might this have on Joe Ansbro's future ?

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 12:01

Howlin' - Kruger is already announced by Blue Bulls

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David L

What it really is



If somebody says: "it's not the money, it's the principle" - It's the money

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 12:09

Good on yer,JC thumbs down

I've Taken the Pledge.

Just call me Nellie.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Usp nli (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 12:15

Fantastic news. All those rumours have now been quashed. There is no reason why he shouldn't push to be included in the main England squad. He has the physicality and contact skills to play at the highest level.

A crucial ball winner at the breakdown, a solid tackler, a great step and a real attacking threat. I'm so pleased he's staying.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: saintian (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 12:33

IIRC Clarkey come to us via Brizzol hence not really a one club player...or did I dream this and/or its old age taking its toll again?

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: saintian (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 12:36

Oops, forgot to add '(yet more) 'fantastic news'! (Sm128)

Now about those replacements for Tiny and Freddie....

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: smurfomatic (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 12:45

Ian - he signed into the Academy from Bristol's youth setup, not sure if he ever played for their 1st XV.

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Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: SAINT_aitch (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 13:03

Brilliant, stonking brilliant... Thanks Clarkey.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: MacSaint (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 13:06

As mentioned on a different thread, the match programme from the Leicester game in 2003 has quite a good feature on him.

I recall him saying something about the setup at Bris not being very professional at that time, which was part of the reason he moved.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Biggysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 13:25

St Marlowe - Clarkey says he is looking forward to the next couple of years, so maybe its not quite as long as three. Nevertheless very good news indeed. (Sm128)

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: St. Andy (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 13:27

Howlin Kruger may be leaving but at least the Titanic will never sink.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:02:03:13:28:19 by St. Andy.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Ben_D (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 13:33

Great News! Fantastic player and a real quality performer without any airs or graces. Well done Clarkey! You know it makes sense.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Saint Dom (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 13:36

H U R A T



















Howlin, you are a tease...
(Sm59)

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: David Tavener (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 14:02

Fantastic news!!

I remember the game where he played at full back and it wasn't till after the game it was reported that he had played the game with only one eye! During that game he played so well that you wouldn't have noticed that.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: SarahH (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 17:14

He's only got one eye? No wonder he loves it so much here at Saints with us all then winking smiley

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Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Saintly Pursuit (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 17:47

KUATB Eds winking smiley

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Saint Dom (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 17:48

Too right, SarahH - but our one eye is bigger than 2 ordinary eyes...

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Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 19:15

Saintly Pursuit
Please feel free - any time you like - to be on this board till 1:30 am sorting Pictures, and get up at 6am to post the embargoed story - in between working at the day job.
This is the first one I have missed - so please send your details through and we'll put you on the team
(Sm162)
grinning smiley

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David L

What it really is



If somebody says: "it's not the money, it's the principle" - It's the money

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Phil. (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 19:19

Have we over-looked this bit...

Quote:
"It's good to know your future and it's good to know that I'll be at a decent club that's going somewhere. Jim and Dorian are staying as well so we'll have good coaches and a bit of continuity..."


Don't think I've seen that confirmed anywhere before now.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Howlin (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 19:20

I heard Tiny's leaving too David.

Saint til I die

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 19:23

I heard that too - also that the Maltshovel is being demolished for Housing

http://www.lowrence.co.uk/David_Lowrence/Media/marlowe.gif
David L

What it really is



If somebody says: "it's not the money, it's the principle" - It's the money

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Stockers (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 19:29

Yee and Ha as well!

And if true about the Nobbster good news there too!

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: David Tavener (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 20:08

David,

Thats impossible! Surely knocking down the malt shovel for housing is against the council's policy of building the raport of the town centre...taking away something like that from town centre and replacing it with housing surely is like driving customers out fo town...wait...I think it's too late to change that!

I did spot the nobby comment and i assumed that he is under jim's contract. He goes where i go clause.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Flinstone Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 22:06

Thrilled with this announcement and I think it's a measure of Clarkey's popularity that this posting is already over 50.

Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: Chris Hoddle (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 22:13

I am hoping to go to the malt shovel this Saturday, they better hadn't knowck it down!

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Re: News: Six and a half year Veteran re-signs for Saints!
Posted by: HjS (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2010 23:05

Quote:
Phil.
Have we over-looked this bit...
Quote:
"It's good to know your future and it's good to know that I'll be at a decent club that's going somewhere. Jim and Dorian are staying as well so we'll have good coaches and a bit of continuity..."


Don't think I've seen that confirmed anywhere before now.

Spotted that too - excellent news all round. Wonder if something unintentional slipped out in the press release - see what's announced tomorrow smiling smiley

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