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Nicky Clark

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the hair stylist, see Nicky Clarke. For the English footballer, see Nicky Clarke (footballer).

Nicky Clark
Clark in 2014
Personal information
Full name Nicholas Alexander McCormack Clark[1]
Date of birth (1991-06-03) 3 June 1991 (age 33)
Place of birth Bellshill, Scotland
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[2]
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 St Johnstone
Number 10
Youth career
2003–2006 Rangers
2006–2009 Aberdeen
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2010 Aberdeen 0 (0)
2009–2010 → Peterhead (loan) 23 (4)
2010–2011 Peterhead 24 (4)
2011–2013 Queen of the South 66 (32)
2013–2016 Rangers 78 (19)
2016 Bury 3 (0)
2016–2018 Dunfermline Athletic 62 (29)
2018–2022 Dundee United 114 (31)
2022– St Johnstone 54 (16)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16 November 2024

Nicholas Alexander McCormack Clark (born 3 June 1991) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a striker for Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone. Clark is the son of the former Airdrieonians, Hearts, Rangers and West Ham striker Sandy Clark.[3]

Career

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Early career

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Clark began his career with the youth team of Rangers but was released at 15 and joined Aberdeen.[4] He appeared as an unused substitute during the 2008–09 season and in early 2009, Clark signed a contract extension with the club.[5]

Peterhead

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To gain first team experience, Clark joined Peterhead on loan until January.[6] Clark made his debut for the club on 19 September 2009, where he came on as a substitute in the 74th minute as Peterhead drew 1–1 with Arbroath.[7] Clark's loan spell with Peterhead was extended until the end of the 2009–10 season.[8] In the 2009–10 season, Clark would make twenty-five appearances and score four times. Clark, along with Jonathan Crawford, was released by the club after being told they wouldn't be offered a new contract.[9]

After being released by Aberdeen, Clark joined Peterhead permanently in August 2010.[10] Like his loan spell, Clark continued to be a first team regular for the club, where he made twenty-nine appearances and scored four times.

Queen of the South

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He moved to Queen of the South in July 2011,[11] signing a one-year contract extension in May 2012.[12] The first season with Queen of the South was a struggle for Clark, as he failed to score his first goal, though it eventually happened in the second round of Scottish League Cup against Forfar Athletic.[13]

The 2012–13 season was an improvement and breakthrough season for Clark after his dad, Sandy, joined the club as an assistant manager[14] and he formed a striking partnership with Derek Lyle.[15] Clark would score 41 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions, including scoring two hat-tricks against Stranraer[16] and Forfar Athletic.[17] Clark also played a role in winning the Challenge Cup Final when he scored the opener before Partick Thistle equalised, leading to a penalty shootout. Queen of the South would win the penalty shootout 6–5 to lift the cup.[18] With the club also winning the Second Division, this gained the club their inaugural league and cup double.

Clark was the SFL Division 2 Player of the Year for the 2012–13 season,[19] and he also won the Ginger Boot Award for being the top scorer across all four Scottish divisions.[20] Clark was also named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for the Second Division alongside team-mates Chris Mitchell, Mark Durnan, Chris Higgins, Daniel Carmichael and Lee Robinson.[21]

Rangers

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In May 2013 he signed a three-year contract with Rangers, effective from 1 September 2013.[22][23] The move was successful after Clark started talks with Ally McCoist.[24] Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Clark expressed the opinion that playing in the Scottish League One would not be easy.[25]

Clark scored on his debut on 31 August 2013 after 30 seconds, as Rangers won 5–0 against East Fife, just one day before the end of the club's transfer embargo.[26] After the match, Clark said he believed the club could score 100 goals by the end of the season after scoring 18 goals at such an early stage.[27] Clark initially struggled to make an impact, as he was often on the bench. This led to the Evening Times questioning whether Clark should become a first team starter.[28] This continued until he scored four goals in a 6–1 win over Forfar Athletic on 3 December 2013.[29] In the second half of the season, Clark suffered a broken foot that kept him out for five weeks.[30] After his return, Clark scored in a 2–1 win over Brechin City on 23 March 2014.[31]

On 3 May, Rangers became the first side in 116 years to go an entire league season unbeaten after a 1–1 draw with Dunfermline during which they clinched the Scottish League One championship. On 28 December 2015, Clark scored in the 65th minute in a crucial match against Hibernian, which put Rangers three points clear of Hibs.[32]

On 23 May 2016, Clark was released by Rangers.[33]

Bury

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On 25 June 2016, Clark signed for Football League One side Bury on a two-year deal.[34] Clark made his debut for Bury in a 2–0 victory over Charlton on 6 August 2016.[35] However, after Bury signed James Vaughan from Birmingham City, Clark was deemed surplus to requirement and allowed to leave Gigg Lane, having made only four competitive appearances.[36]

Dunfermline Athletic

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Clark returned to Scotland after two months in England, signing for Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic in August 2016 on a two-year deal.[37] His move to the Pars saw Clark team up with his former manager at Queen of the South, Allan Johnston, as well as his father Sandy Clark who was also assistant to Johnston at the Doonhamers. Clark spent two seasons with the Pars, finishing top goalscorer for the club in both seasons, scoring 16 goals in his first and 21 goals in his second.

Dundee United

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On 23 May 2018, after opting not to extend his contract with Dunfermline Athletic, Clark joined fellow Scottish Championship club Dundee United on a two-year contract.[38] In his first season, he scored 15 goals in 36 competitive first team games.[39]

During the 2019–20 season Clark played in a deeper role in the side.[40] He signed an extended contract in January 2020, despite having suffered an ankle injury that required surgery.[40]

On 14 January 2021, Clark signed a new contract with Dundee United, keeping him at the club until 2023.[41]

St Johnstone

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On 31 August 2022, Clark signed for St Johnstone for an undisclosed fee.[42][43]

Personal life

[edit]

Clark was born in Bellshill and his father is the former Airdrieonians, Heart of Midlothian and Rangers striker, Sandy Clark.[11]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 28 February 2024[39]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Aberdeen 2009–10[44] Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Peterhead (loan) 2009–10[44][45] Scottish Second Division 23 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 25 4
Peterhead 2010–11[46][45] Scottish Second Division 24 4 3 0 1 0 1[a] 0 29 4
Queen of the South 2011–12[47] Scottish First Division 30 0 2 0 3 1 1[a] 0 36 1
2012–13[48][45] Scottish Second Division 36 32 2 2 3 3 5[a] 4 46 41
Total 66 32 4 2 6 4 6 4 82 42
Rangers 2013–14[49][45] Scottish League One 23 9 4 0 0 0 3[a] 0 30 9
2014–15[50] Scottish Championship 33 8 1 0 3 0 8[b] 1 45 9
2015–16[51] Scottish Championship 22 2 4 1 2 1 4[a] 2 32 6
Total 78 19 9 1 5 1 15 3 107 24
Bury 2016–17[52] League One 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0
Dunfermline Athletic 2016–17[52] Scottish Championship 30 15 4 1 0 0 3[a] 0 37 16
2017–18[53] Scottish Championship 32 14 2 1 3 4 4[c] 2 41 21
Total 62 29 6 2 3 4 7 2 78 37
Dundee United 2018–19[54] Scottish Championship 25 8 3 2 4 3 4[d] 2 36 15
2019–20[55] Scottish Championship 18 7 0 0 3 0 1[a] 0 22 7
2020–21[56] Scottish Premiership 31 8 4 1 3 2 0 0 38 11
2021–22[57] Scottish Premiership 37 8 3 0 6 2 0 0 46 10
2022–23[57] Scottish Premiership 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0
Total 114 31 10 3 16 7 6 2 146 43
St Johnstone 2022-23[58] Scottish Premiership 20 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 21 4
2023–24[59] Scottish Premiership 12 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 13 5
Total 32 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 34 9
Career total 402 128 36 8 32 16 35 11 505 163
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ^ Two appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup and six appearances and one goal in the Scottish Premiership play-offs
  3. ^ Two appearances and two goals in the Scottish Challenge Cup and two appearances in the Scottish Premiership play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in the Scottish Premiership play-offs

Honours

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Queen of the South

Rangers

Dundee United

References

[edit]
  1. ^ A Record of Post-war Scottish League Players 1946/47 to 2017/18. 7. John Litster and Scottish Football Historian magazine. 2018.
  2. ^ "Nicky Clark". dundeeunitedfc.co.uk. Dundee United F.C. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  3. ^ "Like Father, Like Son (Nicky and Sandy Clark)". Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Eleven the dream, Nicky Clark fulfils a lifelong ambition by joining Rangers". Daily Record. 29 May 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  5. ^ "Dons midfielder Derek Young agrees new Pittodrie deal". Daily Record. 17 February 2009. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  6. ^ "Dons' Clark on loan to Peterhead". BBC Sport. 15 September 2009. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Match Report – Division Two: Peterhead 3 Stirling Albion 2". Daily Record. 2 November 2009. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  8. ^ "Players commit to the Balmoor cause". Bunchan Observer. 19 January 2010. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  9. ^ "Dons duo moving on". Sky Sports. 28 April 2010. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  10. ^ "Peterhead sign Nicky Clark". Scottish Football League. 19 August 2010. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  11. ^ a b "Two more signings". Queen of the South F.C. 19 July 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  12. ^ Craig Robertson (30 May 2012). "Queens squad boosted by familiar faces". Dumfries and Galloway Standard. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  13. ^ "Scottish Communities League Cup: Queen of the South 3 Forfar 0". Daily Record. 24 August 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  14. ^ "Queen of the South assistant Sandy Clark eager to get new era underway at Palmerston". Daily Record. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  15. ^ "Nick of time: Lyle eyes deadly partnership with Clark". Daily Record. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  16. ^ "QoS 4 Stranraer 1: Nicky Clark treble sends Queens nine-points clear". Daily Record. 27 December 2012. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  17. ^ "Match Report: Forfar Athletic 0 – 4 Queen of the South". Queens of the South Official Website. 20 April 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  18. ^ a b "Queen of The South 1 – 1 Partrick (6–5 pens)". BBC Sport. 7 April 2013.
  19. ^ "Queens Duo Scoop Another Double at PFA Awards". Queen of the South F.C. 5 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  20. ^ "Irn Bru Phenomenal End of Season Awards". Queen of the South F.C. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  21. ^ "PFA Scotland Team of the Year includes four from both Celtic and Motherwell". STV. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  22. ^ "Clark Agrees Three-Year Deal". Rangers F.C. 28 May 2013. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  23. ^ "Nicky Clark: Rangers agree deal to sign Queen of the South striker". BBC Sport. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  24. ^ "Transfer News: Nicky Clark confirms talks about possible move to Rangers". Sky Sports. 7 May 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  25. ^ "Rangers striker Nicky Clark: I know the second division... it's not going to be easy". Daily Record. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  26. ^ "Rangers 5 East Fife 0: Lee McCulloch scores a hat-trick as Rangers romp home against the Fifers". Daily Record. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  27. ^ McDermott, Scott (1 September 2013). "Nicky Clark nets on Rangers debut and then claims his side can hit 100 goals this season". Daily Record. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  28. ^ "Should Nicky Clark be a starter for Rangers?". Evening Times. 21 October 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  29. ^ "Rangers 6 Forfar 1: Rampant Rangers set new post-war club record by bagging 19th consecutive win in style and hitting Forfar for six". Daily Record. 3 December 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  30. ^ "Clark set to miss out with hurt foot". Evening Times. 17 January 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  31. ^ "Brechin 1 Rangers 2: workmanlike Gers continue 34-game unbeaten run". Evening Times. 24 March 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  32. ^ Murray, Ewen (28 December 2015). "Ten-man Rangers go top in their own right after beating Hibernian 4-2". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  33. ^ "Nicky Clark released as Rangers begin their summer squad reshuffle". STV Sport.
  34. ^ "CONFIRMED: Clark links up with Clarke & Clarke".
  35. ^ "Bury 2 – 0 Charlton Athletic". BBC Sport. BBC. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  36. ^ "CONFIRMED: Nicky Clark moves on". Bury FC. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  37. ^ "Nicky Clark signs for DAFC". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  38. ^ "Clark strikes United deal". Dundee United FC. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  39. ^ a b Nicky Clark on Soccerbase
  40. ^ a b "Nicky Clark: New deal for Dundee United striker despite season-ending injury". BBC Sport. 12 January 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  41. ^ Woodger, Calum (14 January 2021). "Nicky Clark signs two-year contract extension at Dundee United after Dundee interest". thecourier.co.uk. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  42. ^ Gallagher, Matthew (31 August 2022). "New striker Nicky Clark on feeling wanted at St Johnstone and his "brilliant" McDiarmid memories". Daily Record.
  43. ^ "Nicky Clarke: Striker joins St Johnstone from Dundee United". BBC Sport. 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  44. ^ a b "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  45. ^ a b c d Nicky Clark at Soccerway. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
  46. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  47. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  48. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  49. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  50. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  51. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  52. ^ a b "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  53. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  54. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  55. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
  56. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  57. ^ a b "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  58. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  59. ^ "Games played by Nicky Clark in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  60. ^ English, Tom (10 April 2016). "Rangers 4–0 Peterhead". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
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