We take a closer look at Ian Clark following his appointment as the Club’s new Assistant Manager.
Born in Stockton, Ian Clark was spotted playing non-league football for his hometown club and signed by Doncaster Rovers in 1995.
A versatile player who could operate in a number of positions, Clark spent two seasons with Rovers before returning to the North East to join Hartlepool United in 1997.
Clark was utilised in attack during his early days at Victoria Park and scored some important goals during his first season before moving to play in the left wing-back role under new boss Chris Turner.
He remained with Pools for four years, scoring 18 times in 160 senior appearances before moving on for a similar spell in the colours of rivals Darlington.
Spells with Scarborough and Gateshead followed, as well as a short stint on loan with Harrogate Town, before Clark arrived at The Brewery Field on a permanent deal in 2007.
He went on to play in non-league for the likes of Norton & Stockton Ancience, Horden CW, Guisborough Town and Thornaby before calling time on his playing career in 2012.
Clark became a member of the coaching staff at Marske United in 2015 and played a significant role as the club moved up the football pyramid to reach the Northern Premier League under the management of Carl Jarrett.
He remained at Mount Pleasant until the appointment of Curtis Woodhouse as boss in November 2022 but returned alongside Jarrett following Woodhouse’s exit and stayed on to assist Graeme Lee when he was placed in charge last summer.
Playing Career
1995: Stockton
1995-1997: Doncaster Rovers
1997-2001: Hartlepool United
2001-2005: Darlington
2005-2006: Scarborough
2006: Harrogate Town (loan)
2006-2007: Gateshead
2007: Spennymoor United
2007-2008: Norton & Stockton Ancients
2008-2009: Horden CW
2010-2011: Guisborough Town
2011-2012: Thornaby
Coaching Career
Marske United: 2015-2022
Marske United: 2022-2023