GLF 68: Andy P summarises Clarkson's superb season.
CLARKY
It's become something of a cliché that following Motherwell is akin to riding a rollercoaster but it's hard to argue with the analogy.It's fair to say that this season, more than most, we've so many ups and downs.One of the many high points we've had this term has been the rejuvenation of David Clarkson. I don't doubt for a second that many folk have looked on him a different light since the happenings of 29 December but even momentarily putting any sympathy to one side, he's had a fantastic campaign and is well worthy of the Player of the Year titles he has and has yet to collect.
There have been many areas of the club which Mark McGhee has breathed new life and effervescence into, our forward line being one of them.Ports and Rossco took most of the limelight with Chris's unorthodox transfer to the club and McGhee's well publicised enthusiasm about Ross, but as the season has gone it has been Clarky who has come to the fore.With each passing season David's impressive arrival on the scene under Terry Butcher looked more and more like the exception rather than the rule.Many 'Well fans had written him off as a squad player to be relied upon for no more than filling in when the main striker's were out and chipping in with a handful of goals a season.But this season has seen a return to form in spectacular fashion.
Some have speculated that the rejuvenation of the striker is no coincidence following the departure of Scott McDonald, where Clarkson has emerged from his shell after a few seasons of seeing the focus of the play being get the ball to McDonald and see what happens.Others have the opinion that he is benefiting massively from working under a manager who had sufficient talent to find the net in Scotland, England and Germany will some regularity. And then there are those who reckon he simply took advantage of the clean slate that Mark McGhee brought.Me, I think it's all of the above and the confidence that it has generated has seen David's play flourish.
And yet it's hard not to return to Uncle Phil.One would have forgiven Clarky if he had, for want of a better phrase, given up the ghost, when his uncle passed away.The fact that he has refused to let it affect him and indeed used it as a spur speaks volumes for his strength of character.
Effort and determination was never an issue with Clarky, that you could count upon and its that I'm sure which made him an important player for his previous manager's but what he has added to his game this season is a quality of finish that he couldn't produce with any great consistency.Some of the goals this season have been a joy to watch.The chip over the Dundee Utd goalie, the left-footed rasper against Inverness and the injury time header against Killie just some.
He's also produced when asked as part of a two or three man attack and his performance against Hibs in late March was probably one of his finest ever in claret and Amber as he scored the winner and lead the line superbly.
It goes without saying that his Uncle Phil would have been proud of him, as us 'Well fans are too.Well done Clarky, a worthy Player of the Year.
Andy Paterson
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