Former Sunderland star Jack Clarke, continues to struggle at Ipswich Town this season, and it’s beginning to be a real concern.
When Sunderland sold Jack Clarke in the summer to Premier League new boys Ipswich, many Black Cats fans were gutted to see the player go.
However, no one would have wished his current struggles on anyone, regardless of the nature of his departure from the Stadium of Light.
After his latest outing for the Tractor Boys, fans say they’ve seen enough of Clarke and want him to move on. But, is it really fair to lay all the blame on Clarke himself?
Jack Clarke of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Ipswich Town FC at Emirates Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Lon…
Ipswich Town are not giving Jack Clarke consistent game time
Sunderland expert Michael Graham took to Twitter/X to discuss Clarke’s current plight, and pinned the blame squarely on the way the winger is being utilised at Portman Road, particularly when it comes to his minutes on the pitch.
Graham wrote: “Four minutes at home to Brighton, start against Man City. Almost feels like Ipswich are deliberately setting up Jack Clarke to fail at this point.”
Clearly, Graham feels it is unfair to throw Clarke in from the start against Pep Guardiola’s side after getting a meagre four minutes under his belt in midweek. Such inconsistency simply cannot be conducive to Clarke ever gaining any kind of momentum.
Clarke himself has discussed his form, citing momentum as a key factor, and also hinting that he may not be playing to his strengths at Ipswich.
Jack Clarke needs a loan move this month, but Sunderland aren’t the answer
Even when Clarke scored his first Ipswich goal last week in the FA Cup, he looked devoid of any joy and happiness, and clearly something has to give.
Surely, it would make sense for Ipswich to send the 24-year-old out on loan so that he can recapture his best form and regain some confidence.
However, any hopes of a Sunderland return for Clarke may well be over, and that’s largely down to the fact the Black Cats don’t necessarily need him right now.
Once Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle return from injury, Regis Le Bris will have an abundance of wingers to choose from, and Clarke would merely be a luxury, and an expensive one at that.
