Trinity midfielder Shane still hurting

The central midfielder, who has committed for another year with the Blues, says he’ll ‘regret’ the loss to Nuneaton for some time.

He told the Standard: “On a personal level I’m still hurting from the defeat, even though it was a good season overall for the club.”

“We were playing well coming to the end of the season but on the last day we didn’t perform and I’m going to regret that for a long time.”

Clarke (pictured, above) is hoping to go one better next season, alongside the core of the team retained by manager Steve Housham.

“I got to the semi-finals with Boston, then the final of the play-offs with Gainsborough so I want to go one better and go all the way next season,” he said.

And the 24-year-old is not enjoying the well earned rest before pre-season training begins.

“I’m itching to get going, I don’t particularly enjoy not training every day and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”

Former Lincoln City man Clarke will resume his midfield partnership with Jonathan D’Laryea next term, after the duo played a huge part in Trinity’s semi-final victory over FC Halifax.

He said: “I’m really close to JD so I’m glad we’ve both signed for next year.”

“He’s easy to play with, we’re similar sort of players, we can both run all day.”

With a team in place to challenge for honours, Clarke is of the opinion that Trinity can move up at least one level of football. “The set-up is there, there’s talk of a new stadium, the chairman is ambitious and the manager has got a really good team of hungry, young lads. It’s an exciting time.

“I think in a few years we’ll be pushing for league football.”

l THE Blues have signed Carlton Town midfielder Terry Hawkridge, 22.