Influential central-defender Matt Clarke has left Portsmouth to sign for Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.
Clarke has been a titan in the centre of Pompey’s defence for four years after joining from Ipswich in 2015. He’s made one hundred and seventy-five appearances for South Coast outfit, chipping in with nine goals and his fine form for Pompey saw him pick up the club’s Player of the Season award in each of the past two campaigns.
The twenty-two-year-old was a vital member of the side that dramatically secured the League Two title on the final day of the 2016/17 campaign.
He appeared sixty times in all competitions last season and put in a man of the match display in Portsmouth’s Wembley success in the Checkatrade Trophy final.
The move came as no surprise to many Portsmouth fans who had become resigned to losing their star defender. Although many were disappointed, most understood that when the chance of Premier League football arises, it is a no-brainer for any player to want to leave.
Instead of bitterness, plenty of fans took to social media to wish Clarke all the best, congratulate him and pay tribute to an outstanding Pompey career with some even predicting n international future for the young defender.
Here is a selection of their responses to the announcement confirming his departure on Twitter.
@MatthewClarke96 well Matt, where to start. Proper footballer. Hard as nails. Ball player. Committed, ultra fit, calm, no hysterics, what every player should aspire to be. Fantastic servant to Pompey and you go with my very best wishes. Thanks and all the best.
— Craig Comben (@CraigComben) June 21, 2019
Greatly deserved, thanks for all you’ve done Matt, good luck in the premier league
— Suzanne Larcombe (@sueblue84) June 21, 2019
Sad to see him go, been a great player for us and goes with best wishes and thanks.for the memories
— Mark Bentley (@Markbentley873) June 21, 2019
Haven't seen one negative comment about him. All round defender,got everything. Can't stand in a players way when a opportunity like this comes along. Going to be hard to replace. Pup
— Ryan Stronner (@RyanStronner) June 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/Broookler/status/1142140483650674688
🙁 we knew it was coming. Congrats Clarke enjoy the Prem.
— Portsmouth_FC (@pompeyunited) June 21, 2019
It's been an absolute pleasure, good luck MC
— JM (@HPRUMJ) June 21, 2019
Fair play @MatthewClarke96 and good luck in the premiership, form is temporary, class is permanent. @OfficialBHAFC have got a bargain.
— Gordo PF(C) (@GordoPFC) June 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/ndylol/status/1142109008091914241
https://twitter.com/jenny_kackett/status/1142108119570497537
Wishing Matt all the best for his future career. A great servant & player for us. @OfficialBHAFC have a gem, all the attributes. Potentially a future England centre back.
— Paul Riddell (@paulrids) June 21, 2019
