John Robert Clarke (born 24 April 2004) is an Irish footballer who plays as a left-back for club Bury. He began his career at Reading and played on loan at Slough Town.
Club career Reading Clarke joined Port Vale's youth team from Stockport Town in 2021. On 22 June 2022, Reading signed Clarke to join their under-23 team. After impressing during the 2022–23 pre-season, Clarke made his debut for Reading on 6 August, coming on as a late substitute for Junior Hoilett in their 2–1 victory over Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium. However, manager Paul Ince confirmed that Clarke missed the rest of the season after sustaining a knee ligament injury in December. He signed a new contract in July 2023. He returned to fitness in December 2023. On 23 May 2024, Reading announced they had extended their contract with Clarke for another season.
On 16 May 2025, Reading announced that they had offered a new contract to Clarke, with a new one-year contract being confirmed as signed on 23 June. On 6 March 2026, Clarke joined Slough Town on a one-month loan deal, linking up with fellow Royals loanees Basil Tuma and Jacob Borgnis at the club. He played eight National League South games for Slough in what remained of the 2025–26 season, and was released upon his return to Reading.
Bury On 28 July 2026, Clarke joined newly promoted Northern Premier League Premier Division club Bury following a successful trial.
International career Clarke was called up to the Republic of Ireland under-19 team for the first time in August 2022 for a three-day training camp. He made his debut for the U19 team on 24 September 2022, in a 2–0 win over Wales U19 in a 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifier.
Style of play Clarke is an attacking left-back.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsReading2022–23EFL Championship300010—402023–24EFL League One00000000002024–25EFL League One00000000002025–26EFL League One0000000000Total3000100040Slough Town (loan)2025–26 National League South80———80Bury2026–27Northern Premier LeaguePremier Division0000000000Career total110001000120
References