Ciaran Clark has completed a move to Sheffield United, all but ending his six-year stint at St James’ Park.
The club have confirmed that he’s left on a season-long loan move, however it’s highly likely that he’s played his last game for Newcastle United, with his contract due to expire next summer.
With that in mind, he’ll become a free agent when his 12-month stint at Bramall Lane comes to a close at the end of the 2022/23 season.
This is the second exit we’ve seen over the past 24 hours, as Jeff Hendrick sealed a loan move to Reading this time yesterday to join Isaac Hayden (Norwich) and Freddie Woodman (Preston) in the Championship.
He’s had a tough few seasons on Tyneside, but Clark has been a solid servant at St James’ Park.
The 32-year-old played a key role in getting us promoted back to the Premier League in 2016/17 and rarely let us down during the Rafa Benitez era, chipping in with a few big goals and stepping in when needed while we were battling to stay up.
Here’s what the player has had to say since sealing the move, along with the reaction of Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom…
Ciaran Clark:
“I’m delighted, I’ve had a couple of conversations with the manager, we talked about the style of play, me knowing a few of boys and the challenge that is in front of us.
“I’m looking forward to playing regularly, fitting into the style of play and formation.
“We know the Championship is tough but with a huge togetherness and a big effort by everyone, the squad has the quality to get out of the league.
“I saw how close the club went last season and the aim now is to get promoted.”
Paul Heckingbottom:
“Ciaran is well respected in the dressing rooms he has been in, that’s the feedback we’ve had, I’m sure he will settle in well.
“We’ll put big demands on him with regards to the way we train and what we want from him, but I’m sure he is looking forward to it.
“We have now got good strength, experience and qualities in defensive areas, we are covered in all positions across the back line and that’s important because it is going to be a tough season, particularly with the schedule at the start of the campaign.”
Another good servant to the club moving on. He always did a decent job imo & I wish him all the best at the blades ??
Sharpy17(Quote)