Jack Clarke’s high-profile move to Ipswich Town last summer has not worked out, and Phil Bardsley thinks the former Sunderland man made a big mistake.
He’s not the first to say such a thing, either. Jack Clarke has struggled for form with the Premier League newcomers this season, and can barely get any minutes at Ipswich.
By contrast, the young winger was a superstar at Sunderland; adored by fans, tearing the Championship up on a weekly basis, and seemingly had the world at his feet.
It’s now three years since Clarke first signed for Sunderland, and many have been reflecting on his time on Wearside and what that decision to leave cost him.
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Phil Bardsley criticises Jack Clarke’s ‘strange’ Sunderland departure
Speaking to SportsBoom about the former Sunderland ace, Phil Bardsley admitted the transfer didn’t make any sense for Clarke, and suggested he would have been better off sticking in the Sunderland squad for another season.
“I liked Jack Clarke, but I thought it was a really strange move he went to Ipswich,” Bardsley said. “Nothing against Ipswich, but I don’t think they’ve got enough to stay in the Premier League.”
He added: “I thought it was a bit premature for him to leave. He’s obviously made a lot of noise and, when someone puts in a decent bit, well there’s not much you can do.
“But I think if he’d have had another decent season this season, then it could have taken Sunderland up. If he did that then his stock would have risen even higher, I think he’d have got a better move than Ipswich.”
Under Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have a genuine shot at promotion this season, and Clarke could have played a pivotal role in that pursuit. Instead, he is fighting for his life in the Premier League.
- READ MORE: Jack Clarke finally scored his first goal for Ipswich Town, but Sunderland return could still happen
How can Jack Clarke get his career back on track?
Unfortunately, it seems Ipswich fans have had enough of Clarke and want him to leave the club in the final days of the transfer window.
However, it has to be said that Ipswich don’t exactly play to Clarke’s strengths, with a narrower system restricting his influence on the wings. Plus, he is not getting a consistent run in the team, which is never conducive to good form.
The best thing for Clarke to do now would surely be to leave on loan for the rest of the season and reassess his situation in the summer.
Sunderland had been mooted as a potential destination for Clarke this month, but that appears to be off the table now. Regardless of whether that reunion happens, the 24-year-old needs something to change, and fast, otherwise that move will have totally derailed his career.