Jack Clarke became a Sunderland centurion last night at the Stadium of Light. What a century of games it’s been.
After coming in as a youngster with a point to prove nearly two years ago, the flying winger has gone on to take his name to a new level within 100 Sunderland games and become a fan favourite on Wearside.
Acting as the Club’s talisman with 13 goals this season, Friday night’s contest was the platform for Clarke to clock up his landmark appearance. Across his century of games, the 23-year-old has found the net on 25 occasions whilst clocking 20 assists which nearly equates to a goal contribution every two games.
He is fast approaching his two-year anniversary at the Stadium of Light and it’s been nothing short of a fruitful venture for both the Club and the player. From teeing up Patrick Roberts to score in the League One play-off semi-final second leg against Sheffield Wednesday to rubber stamping the Lads’ 3-0 win over Preston North End to book their top-six finish last season.
When the annals of history look back, they will see a player who got the fans off their seats and gave his all for the team. From redemption to elation, it’s been quite the story on Wearside for the free-scoring winger.
“I came here with a point to prove and I think my performances have gone a long way to showing what I can do over the last two years”, Clarke said.
“I always wanted to play games but providing assists and scoring goals is what I’ve always backed myself to do.
Ladies and gentlemen… Jack Clarke 😃#SAFC | @JackClarke09 pic.twitter.com/ZfRg3VMn5Y
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 21, 2023
“Not only am I extremely proud to play for Sunderland, but I’m also really proud of what we have achieved over the last two years. Back-to-back play-off finishes and a promotion from League One has been nothing short of eventful but within that, there has been so many success stories.
“Even though I was happy with last season’s return in goals, I said from the start of last summer that I feel I could have scored more. Whilst it is a great feeling to have bettered that total, I’m really glad the goals have made such a big contribution to this team.”
As Michael Beale’s side head towards what we will hopefully be a big finish for the team, it is well and truly the business end of the Championship campaign.
With the Lads currently battling for a place in the top six with 18 games of the season to go, the 23-year-old wants to continue to make more memories in red and white.
Clarke added: “I can’t quite believe it’s been 100 games, but this Club has given me the faith to flourish, and we have created so many moments that I will carry with me and for that, I am extremely grateful.
“For me, I want to continue to kick on and continue to add to the team’s output. We’ve always aimed to attack the division and we feel we can match anyone, irrespective of where they are in the table.”
Appearances: 100
Minutes: 7,987
Goals: 25
Assists: 20