Max Clark (footballer)

Max Oliver Clark (born 19 January 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender or a midfielder for League Two club Gillingham. He has represented England at under-16 and under-17 levels.

Max Clark
Clark training with Vitesse in 2018
Personal information
Full name Max Oliver Clark[1]
Date of birth (1996-01-19) 19 January 1996[2]
Place of birth Kingston upon Hull, England
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2]
Position(s) Defender, midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Gillingham
Number 3
Youth career
0000–2006 Barham Boys Club
2006–2014 Hull City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2014–2018 Hull City 27 (0)
2016 → Cambridge United (loan) 9 (0)
2016–2017 → Cambridge United (loan) 27 (1)
2018–2021 Vitesse 46 (2)
2021 Hull City 0 (0)
2021–2022 Fleetwood Town 10 (0)
2022 Rochdale 23 (1)
2022–2023 Stevenage 38 (1)
2023– Gillingham 0 (0)
International career
2010–2012 England U16 12 (0)
2012 England U17 3 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:42, 17 June 2023 (UTC)

Club career

Hull City

Born in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire,[2] Clark started out at Barham Boys Club before joining the youth system of Hull City in 2006, where he began his youth career.[3][4] After progressing through the academy, Clark signed his first professional contract with the club and was promoted to the development squad.[5] After a season with the development squad, Clark signed a one-year contract extension with the club,[6] which was later extended once more.[7]

Ahead of the 2017–18 season, Clark was featured in the first team's pre–season after being called up by new Manager Leonid Slutsky.[8] He made his league debut for Hull City on the opening day of the 2017–18 season, 5 August 2017, away at Aston Villa, in a 1–1 draw.[9] Since making his debut, Clark found himself, competing with new signing Stephen Kingsley over the left–back position.[10] Over several months, both Clark and Kingsley fought each over the left–back position, which resulted in both of them either placed on the substitute bench.[11] As a result of his performance, the club began a negotiation deal over a new contract for Clark.[12] After being on the substitute at the beginning of 2018, he regained back his first team place in the left–back position by February.[13] Over the next two months, Clark continued to feature in the left–back before losing his place to Kingsley for the rest of the season.[14] The 2017–18 season proved to be Clark's breakthrough at Hull City, as 30 appearances in all competitions.[4]

However, his future at Hull City was in doubt as it was yet finalised over the last eight months since opening talks and reportedly turned down the contract.[15] On 18 May 2018, Clark was among four players to be offered a new contract by the club.[16]

Loan spell at Cambridge United

On 25 March 2016, Clark signed for League Two club Cambridge United on loan until the end of 2015–16.[17] He made his debut later that day as a 55th-minute substitute for Luke Berry in a 3–0 defeat away to Bristol Rovers.[18] In a follow-up match against Oxford United on 28 March 2010, he started and played 75 minutes before coming off as a substitute, in a 0–0 draw.[19] Clark finished his loan spell with nine appearances before returning to his parent club at the end of the season.[20][21]

On 30 June 2016, Clark re-signed for Cambridge United on a six-month loan.[22] His first appearance after rejoining the club came on the opening day of 2016–17 season in a 1–1 draw at home to Barnet.[23][24] Since joining the club for the second time, he continued to regain his first team place throughout the season.[25] Clark then set up two goals during a match against Cheltenham Town on 26 November 2016, in a 3–1 win.[26] On 10 December 2016, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 5–0 thrashing win over Hartlepool United.[27] On 1 January 2017, Clark's loan at Cambridge was extended until the end of the season.[28] After being featured in the first team for the next two months, Clark, however, was sent–off for a straight red card for a late tackle on Nicky Deverdics, in a 1–0 loss against Hartlepool United on 14 March 2017.[29] Although he was suspended, Clark never played for the side for the rest of the season.[30] He completed the loan spell with 35 appearances and one goal in all competitions before returning to his parent club.[23]

Vitesse

Clark signed for Eredivisie club Vitesse on 22 June 2018 on a three-year contract after rejecting a new contract with Hull.[31] Hull received compensation from Vitesse, reported by the Hull Daily Mail as "in the region of £400,000".[31] On 9 August 2018, Clark made his Vitesse debut as well as his European debut during their 1–0 defeat to Basel in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, replacing Alexander Büttner with three minutes remaining.[32]

Hull City

Clark returned to Hull City on 1 February 2021 on a short 4 month deal.[33] On 18 May 2021, the club announced that Clark would leave the club at the end of the 2020–21 season.[34]

Fleetwood Town

On 17 June 2021, Clark agreed a one-year deal to join Fleetwood Town with the club holding the option for a second year.[35]

On 20 January 2022, Clark left Fleetwood Town by mutual consent.[36]

Rochdale

On 21 January 2022, Clark signed for Rochdale on a deal until the end of the season.[37]

Stevenage

On 16 June 2022, Clark agreed a deal to join Stevenage upon the expiration of his contract with Rochdale, having opted against extending his short-term contract.[38]

Gillingham

In July 2023, Clark joined Gillingham.[39]

International career

While at the academy, Clark was first called up to the England under-16 team on 15 October 2010 against Wales.[3] He made 12 appearances for England U16s.[40]

In August 2012, Clark was called up by the England under-17 team for the first time.[41] He played in three matches for England U17s against Italy, Turkey and Portugal.[42]

Clark was also called up by the England under-18 team for the first time in November 2013.[43]

Personal life

Growing up, Clark attended Ings Road Primary School and Malet Lambert High School.[3][4]

Career statistics
As of end of 2021–22 season
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Hull City 2014–15[44] Premier League 0000000000
2015–16[21] Championship 0000000000
2016–17[23] Premier League 00———00
2017–18[45] Championship 2703000—300
Total 270300000300
Cambridge United (loan) 2015–16[21] League Two 90———90
2016–17[23] League Two 27130104[lower-alpha 1]0351
Total 361301040441
Vitesse 2018–19[46] Eredivisie 23130—4[lower-alpha 2]1302
2019–20[46] Eredivisie 23140——271
2020–21[46] Eredivisie 0000——00
Total 46270—41573
Hull City 2020–21[46] League One 00——0000
Fleetwood Town 2021–22[47] League One 10000104[lower-alpha 1]0150
Rochdale 2021–22[47] League Two 231000000231
Career total 1424130201211695
  1. Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  2. One appearance in UEFA Europa League, three appearances and one goal in Eredivisie European play-offs

References
  1. "Premier League clubs publish retained lists". Premier League. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  2. "Max Clark". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  3. "Hull City: England debut live on TV for Malet Lambert pupil Max Clark". Hull Daily Mail. 15 October 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  4. "Why Max Clark 'was always going to make the grade' at Hull City?". Hull Daily Mail. 13 October 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  5. "Youngsters urged to maintain work ethic after signing pro contracts". Hull City A.F.C. 5 June 2014. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017.
  6. "Local youngsters sign new deals". Hull City A.F.C. 22 June 2015. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017.
  7. "Academy confirms retained list for 2016/17". Hull City A.F.C. 10 March 2016. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017.
  8. "Three Hull City players who have boosted their first-team prospects this summer". Hull Daily Mail. 29 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "Max Clark eager to finally make the grade with Hull City". Hull Daily Mail. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  9. "Aston Villa 1–1 Hull City". BBC Sport. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  10. "Max Clark has done enough to keep left-back role despite Hull City signing Stephen Kingsley". Hull Daily Mail. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "Stephen Kingsley must fight off Max Clark to win Hull City left–back role says Leonid Slutsky". Hull Daily Mail. 25 August 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  11. "Max Clark gets Leonid Slutsky's backing for Hull City's crucial date with Birmingham". Hull Daily Mail. 29 September 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "TEAM NEWS: Leonid Slutsky makes four changes to the Hull City side to take on Ipswich Town". Hull Daily Mail. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "Hull City's Nigel Adkins pleased with promising performance at Cardiff City despite defeat". Hull Daily Mail. 16 December 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  12. "Hull City in talks with Max Clark over a new deal". Hull Daily Mail. 29 September 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  13. "Allan McGregor the pick of a very average bunch that look to be heading one way - player ratings". Hull Daily Mail. 4 February 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "Why Max Clark is so much more than just a good luck charm for Hull City". Hull Daily Mail. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  14. "Max Clark impresses again, Harry Wilson stifled and Derby County choke - Three up, three down". Hull Daily Mail. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "TEAM NEWS: Nigel Adkins makes five changes to face Bristol City at Ashton Gate". Hull Daily Mail. 21 April 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "Hull City will have point to prove next season admits frustrated Stephen Kingsley". Hull Daily Mail. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  15. "Max Clark attracting Championship interest as his Hull City deal nears its end". Hull Daily Mail. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "Hull City's Nigel Adkins provides an update on Max Clark's contract situation". Hull Daily Mail. 4 May 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  16. "FOUR PLAYERS OFFERED NEW DEALS". Hull City A.F.C. 18 May 2018. Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  17. "Max Clark: Cambridge United sign Hull City left-back on loan". BBC Sport. 25 March 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  18. "MATCH REPORT: BRISTOL ROVERS 3 CAMBRIDGE UTD 0". Cambridge United F.C. 25 March 2016. Archived from the original on 26 July 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  19. "MATCH REPORT: CAMBRIDGE UTD 0 OXFORD UTD 0". Cambridge United F.C. 28 March 2010. Archived from the original on 26 July 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  20. "CAMBRIDGE UNITED ANNOUNCE RETAIN/RELEASE LIST". Cambridge United F.C. 9 May 2016. Archived from the original on 26 July 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  21. "Games played by Max Clark in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  22. "Max Clark: Hull City defender rejoins Cambridge United on loan". BBC Sport. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  23. "Games played by Max Clark in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  24. "Cambridge United 1 – 1 Barnet". BBC Sport. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  25. "Max Clark: Extending winning run was vital for Cambridge United ahead of Blackpool trip". Cambridge News. 16 October 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "How were Cambridge United midfield stars central to 3-0 win at Carlisle United?". Cambridge News. 12 March 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  26. "Cambridge United 3 Cheltenham Town 1: Brilliant Luke Berry bags a brace as U's are victorious". Cambridge News. 28 November 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  27. "Hartlepool 0 Cambridge United 5: U's put in a five-star display in second half". Cambridge News. 12 December 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  28. "Youngsters head out on loan". Hull City A.F.C. 1 January 2017. Archived from the original on 26 January 2017.
  29. "New Cambridge United formation is a real diamond – Shaun Derry". Cambridge News. 4 February 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "Cambridge United 0 – 1 Hartlepool United". BBC Sport. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  30. "Cambridge United boss Shaun Derry may face midfield puzzle for Cheltenham Town trip". Cambridge News. 16 March 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
    "Scott Wharton and Max Clark say big thank you to Cambridge United as they return to Blackburn Rovers and Hull City". Cambridge News. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  31. Smailes, James (22 June 2018). "Max Clark joins Vitesse Arnhem as eight-year Hull City association ends". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  32. "Vitesse vs. Basel". Soccerway. 9 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  33. "Max Clark Rejoins Hull City". Hull City A.F.C. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  34. "Retained List Confirmed". Hull City A.F.C. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  35. "Max Clark becomes latest addition to Cod Army squad". www.fleetwoodtownfc.com. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  36. "MMax Clark departs Fleetwood Town". www.fleetwoodtownfc.com. 20 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  37. "Max Clark Joins Dale". www.rochdaleafc.co.uk. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  38. "Max Clark signs for Stevenage". www.stevenagefc.com. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  39. "Max Clark: Gillingham sign former Stevenage and Rochdale defender". BBC Sport. 16 June 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  40. "Max Clark". The Football Association. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  41. "Clark called up". Hull City A.F.C. 13 August 2012. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017.
  42. "Chance on the big stage". Hull City A.F.C. 5 September 2012. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017.
  43. "Hull City teen Max Clark can use England call-up as springboard to first team". Hull Daily Mail. 16 November 2013. Archived from the original on 19 November 2013.
  44. "Games played by Max Clark in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  45. "Games played by Max Clark in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  46. "M. Clark: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  47. "Games played by Max Clark in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
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