Pics Take Vastly Experienced Striker on Loan for the Rest of the Season

Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central play-off chasers Rushall Olympic have snapped up vastly experienced striker Leon Clarke on loan from League Two side Hartlepool United until the end of the season.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed a lengthy career in the full-time game since emerging through the ranks at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2003.

He made 74 appearances for Wolves, scoring 13 goals, and also spent time out on loan with the likes of Kidderminster Harriers, Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle whilst at Molineux.

In January 2007, he left Wolves for Sheffield Wednesday, where he played 83 times, scoring 18 times and was also loaned out to Southend United and Oldham Athletic.

Since then he has served the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, Wolves again, Bury, Sheffield United, for whom he appeared 88 times and netted 29 goals, Shrewsbury Town and Bristol Rovers.

In January, Clarke went `north of the border` to Arbroath on trial but then joined Hartlepool in February and has made 3 appearances.

Rushall manager Liam McDonald told his club’s website: “I am delighted to be able to bring Leon to the football club and I look forward to working with him.

“His career speaks for itself; he has played for some massive clubs and scored a lot of goals along the way.

“It’s an opportunity for us to use his vast experience between now and the end of the season.

“He was keen to come here, which was important; the move is right for him and he is relishing the challenge.

“The lads can only learn from him during what is a big end to the season for us with plenty to play for”.

Rushall Olympic Web Site