Frank James Clarke (15 July 1942 – 2 June 2022) was an English footballer. Clarke was the eldest of five brothers who all played in the Football League.
After playing non-league football for Willenhall Town, he played in the Football League as a centre forward for Shrewsbury Town, Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich Town, and Carlisle United.[1] He made his debut for Shrewsbury Town in 1962 and made 188 appearances for the club.[2] His goal tally of 77 goals was joint-second on the club's all-time scorers list.[2] He was inducted into Shrewsbury Town Hall of Fame.[2]
His younger brothers Allan, Derek, Kelvin and Wayne all played in the Football League. Frank was the only one of the five who did not represent Walsall.[3]
After his retirement from football, Clarke returned to Shrewsbury and worked as a newsagent, and at the Adams Sports Centre in Wem[2] as a supervisor for 28 years, until 2010. He dedicated much of his time caring for his family and looking after his grandchildren.[4]
Clarke died on 2 June 2022, surrounded by his family, at the age of 79,[2] leaving wife Sylvia and two daughters, five grandchildren and great grandchildren.[4]