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Where Are They Now? Allan Clarke
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 Features 2 
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
ALLAN CLARKE (Leeds United and England)
He had a small pointy nose that could sniff out goals at a hundred paces. Or at least anywhere in the six yard box.
Allan Clarke was born in Willenhall in the West Midlands on July 31, 1946 and was signed as an apprentice by his local club Walsall in August of 1963. During a 15 year career he played for Fulham, Leicester, Leeds United and Barnsley and became an England regular in the seventies, winning 19 caps. He now works as a sales executive for a Wakefield-based ‘fume extraction specialist' M.T.S. Nationwide. Lucky boy!
I had a great career in football and loved every minute of it, but I honestly believe that the standards in the game now aren't as high as they used to be - like in most things. That doesn't mean that there aren't some good players about, but I think in general the concentration on pure skills is missing. It grieves me sometimes to see people getting excited now about a skill that was a basic element of the game when I was playing.
I've many happy memories of the various clubs I was with, but the best times were, of course, at Elland Road. That squad was something quite unique and I reckon that the club has lived off the success we had for the last 20 years or more. I know there has been a championship win since and that was great, but there hasn't been the consistent success that we enjoyed. We were at the top for a long time and I believe that the following the club has today stems mostly from those days.
I still go to matches as often as possible and watch the television as well. I'm still hooked on football but I'm glad that I'm not involved in management now. I had my share of that when I was in charge at Leeds and Barnsley and while there were some good times, it's a thankless task and I would have to think very seriously about it before accepting another offer like that. I certainly wouldn't jump at the chance. I have a lot of friends in the game, although my closest mate died last year, Billy Bremner. We were like brothers and I still haven't got over the shock of him going. During our time together at Leeds we won the Championship, the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup and we were runners-up countless times. They were all great experiences, but none of them were as great as playing alongside Billy.
I'II never forget my England debut against Czechoslovakia in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Terry Cooper and Jack Charlton from Leeds were also in the side alongside Gordon Banks, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and other legends. We did everything but get the ball in the net until finally we were awarded a penalty. I was amazed when I was given the job of taking it, but thank God I scored - and that was the only goal of the game. I don't really have any regrets except having to stop. I wish I was still playing, but the old body doesn't hold out forever.
I'm very happy in my current job which I've been doing for a few years now. The company specialises in fume extraction and I've become quite an expert. Sometimes when an appointment is made the name Allan Clarke does not mean anything, because it's fairly common but then being fairly tall and looking as I do it dawns on people who I am and the subject soon turns to football, I don't mind that. After all, there is nothing quite like it is there?
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THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF ALLAN J. CLARKE
When Clarke signed for Walsall brother Frank was already a pro and younger brothers Derek and Kelvin were following in their footsteps attempting to follow in their footsteps.
When he joined Fulham in March 1966 he stepped up from the Third to the First Division and became an instant success.
Leicester paid a record £150,000 for him in June 1988 and he was named Man of the Match in the 1969 FA Cup Final - although Leicester lost 1-0 to Manchester City.
Leeds made him the most expensive player in the land when they paid £166,000 for him in July 1969 and he instantly formed a partnership with Mick Jones which helped the club win the League Championship in 1974 - as well as finishing second three times in succession.
He was again named Man of the Match in the FA Cup Final of 1972 when his goal secured a Leeds victory over Arsenal, compensation for a cup final defeat at the hands of Chelsea of 1970.
Leeds won the 1971 Fairs Cup beating Juventus over two legs. Clarke scored a vital goal in the home game.
There was disappointment in the 1975 European Cup Final in Paris when Bayern Munich proved to be too strong and beat Leeds 2-0.
Clarke scored 10 goals for England seniors including two in a 5-0 win over Scotland at Hampden In 1973. 'He was nicknamed 'Sniffer' at Leeds because he had a nose for goals.
At Barnsley Clarke guided the club to promotion from Division Four during his first season as player-manager.
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LEAGUE APPEARANCES
Walsall 72 games 41 goals
Fulham 86 games 45 goals
Leicester 36 games 12 goals
Leeds 273 games 110 goals
Barnsley 47 games 15 goals
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STARS ON CLARKE
I've rarely seen a man so quick to see a chance and take it. Leave a half-chance in the penalty area and Allan Clarke will turn it Into a goal before you have realised he has the room. - DON REVIE
A tremendous partner. He used to drift into the area and you could see defenders wondering whether or not he was a danger. You knew where he was going though and you only had to plant the ball there for him to pounce. He was instinctive, one of the best goalscorers I have ever seen. - MICK JONES
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