Former Preston North End skipper Tom Clarke joins Salford City

Former Preston North End skipper Tom Clarke has joined Salford City.

By Dave Seddon

Published 14th Jul 2020, 17:02 GMT

Updated 14th Jul 2020, 17:38 GMT

Tom Clarke heads PNE's winner against Blackpool in August 2013

Clarke left PNE at the end of June when his contract ran out, having turned down a short term extension to cover the rest of the 2019/20 campaign.

The defender has signed a two-year contract at the Peninsula Stadium where he will join up with North End legend Graham Alexander who is Salford's manager.

Clarke, 32, made 247 appearances for PNE in a seven-season stay.

Former Preston skipper Tom Clarke has joined Salford City

He scored the winner against Blackpool in the League Cup in only his second game for the club, making him an instant fans' favourite.

In 2015 Clarke skippered North End to League One play-off final glory and lifted the trophy at Wembley with John Welsh.

Injury restricted his appearances this season and the move to Salford in League Two will present him with a fresh challenge.

Location wise, it is a shorter journey from his West Yorkshire home.