Former Wolves, Coventry City, and QPR striker quits at age 39.
A member of Wolves’ 2013/14 League One title-winning squad has announced his retirement, having started his career at Molineux.
Former Wolves striker Leon Clarke has declared that he is retiring from playing to pursue a career as a coach.
After retiring from football, the 39-year-old will devote his time to coaching. He spent the final several years of his career in non-league football, playing for Rushall Olympic, Kettering Town, and finally Mickelover FC.
He made his announcement on Instagram with a video montage of all of his goals, with Sheffield United figuring prominently after aiding them win promotion twice in 2017 and 2019.
In a message to his admirers, he stated, “20 years in the game, 23 clubs. This is my official retirement; it’s time to put the gloves away. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my career. “My future is still in the game, but as a coach.”
Clarke began his 21-year playing career with Molineux and played three seasons as a senior. He spent three loan spells with Kidderminster Harriers, QPR, and Plymouth Argyle before joining Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent basis in 2006. Clarke returned in 2014, coming from Coventry City, and in two periods, he scored 18 goals in 114 games for the gold and black.
He scored 153 goals in 522 professional games, all in England’s top four divisions. He scored the most goals in League One, with 78 in 170 games compared to 60 in 285 Championship matches.
He also played the most for Sheffield United, where he scored 32 goals as he progressed from League One to the Premier League. He spent three and a half seasons with Sheffield Wednesday and scored 18 goals. Other clubs included Bury, Wigan Athletic, Chesterfield, QPR, Southend United, and Scunthorpe United.
