Divided Loyalties for Ex-Southend United Defender Peter Clarke
Peter Clarke will be watching Sunday’s National League play-off final at Wembley with mixed emotions as two of his former clubs, Southend United and Oldham Athletic, go head-to-head in a bid to return to the Football League.
The veteran defender, now 42, enjoyed distinguished spells at both clubs during a career that spanned more than two decades and saw him make over 900 senior appearances. Clarke was a fan favourite at Roots Hall, where he captained Southend United and helped guide the team to back-to-back promotions between 2004 and 2006, lifting the League One title in the process. His no-nonsense defending and leadership qualities made him a standout figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.
“I have so many great memories from my time at Southend,” Clarke recently said. “It’s a club that gave me the platform to really grow as a player and take on the responsibility of leadership at a young age. The fans were always brilliant with me, and I still keep an eye out for their results.”
But Clarke also holds Oldham Athletic close to his heart. He had three separate spells at Boundary Park, making over 200 appearances for the Latics in total. His most recent stint with the club lasted from 2016 to 2020, during which he wore the captain’s armband once again and became a respected figure both on and off the pitch.
“Oldham is another place where I felt right at home,” Clarke said. “The people at the club, the supporters, and the chance to be part of that community—it all meant a great deal to me. So seeing both teams reach this stage of the season is fantastic, but it also makes it very hard for me to pick a side.”
Sunday’s final at Wembley is not just a match—it’s a high-stakes battle for promotion, with both clubs desperate to end their respective spells outside the Football League. For Southend, the journey back has been complicated by off-field turmoil, financial struggles, and uncertainty over ownership. Meanwhile, Oldham’s recent years have also been tumultuous, with relegation from League Two in 2022 marking the end of their long stay in the EFL.
However, both clubs have seen a resurgence in form and spirit under new leadership and management, and Clarke believes the final could be a closely contested affair.
“I think both teams have what it takes to win it,” he said. “They’ve shown resilience throughout the season and have players who can produce in big moments. It might just come down to who handles the occasion better.”
As Clarke prepares to watch the final, he admits he’ll be hoping for a great game above all else.
“I genuinely just want to see both sets of fans have a day to remember,” he added. “Of course, only one can go up, but I’ve got huge respect and affection for both clubs. May the best team win.”
For Peter Clarke, Sunday’s showdown will be a proud—if emotionally conflicting—occasion. For either Southend or Oldham, it could be the start of a long-awaited new chapter.
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