Injury ends the season on a low

Trinity midfielder Shane Clarke’s season came to a sickening end on Saturday, when he dislocated his shoulder at Colwyn Bay.
Shane Clarke tweeted this picture of his dislocated shoulderShane Clarke tweeted this picture of his dislocated shoulder
Shane Clarke tweeted this picture of his dislocated shoulder

The Blues player admits that it hasn’t been the finest year of his career, but says he still wants to feature on the Northolme next season – if the ground situation is resolved.

Describing the moment when his 2012/13 season was brought to an abrupt halt, he told the Standard:

“I’ve gone up for a header, put my arm out and their guy has come in from the left side and the impact has put my shoulder out.”

“I knew straight away what I’d done.”

Although he won’t play any further part in the current campaign, Clarke is already planning his return to action.

“I’m hoping to get back before pre-season starts,” he said.

“I’ve got to rest now for three weeks, and keep it in a sling.”

“It will be a few weeks after that before it’s strong enough to do anything with it, but fingers crossed I’ll be back in training then.”

It’s not Clarke’s first spell on the sidelines this season, something that doesn’t sit well with the player.

“I would have liked to finish strongly and get a few more games under my belt.”

“It’s not been the greatest season, injuries haven’t helped.”

“And even when I got fit again I found it difficult to get myself back into the team.”

“I was happy with my performances of late, but this injury has put a dampner on that.”

No one is able to predict whether or not Peter Swann will remain in place as chairman of Trinity next season, and without his financial backing many of the current squad will find homes with other clubs.

Clarke is hoping that he, and Swann, are both still involved on the Northolme when the 2013/14 season kicks off.

“I really enjoy it down there, they’re a good club and ambitious, I like that. I want to stay.”

“I would like to be part of the project, but the decision isn’t really mine and it may not even be the manager’s – it’s all up in the air, it’s down to the Blues Club and what happens with the ground.”

Although he won’t feature in the remaining three Blue Square Bet North fixtures, the former Lincoln City man is backing his team-mates to end on a high.

“The lads had a discussion the other week and we want to finish as high as possible,” he said.

“Just outside the play-offs, a couple of points off, would be much better than mid-table and way off last season’s success.”

Related topics: