Derby County have been linked with a move for former Charlton Athletic man Sean Clare, following his release from the Valley.
As reported by Football League World, 26-year-old Clare has fallen onto the Derby radar as they plot a course towards the top six next season. Paul Warne’s men narrowly missed out on a play-off spot, losing their final game of the season to one of Clare’s former clubs, Sheffield Wednesday.
The defender has had a nomadic career after starting as a youngster at the Valley and the Nike Academy. He came to prominence at Hillsborough, enjoying loan spells with Bury, Gillingham and Accrington, before moving on.
In 2018, he switched to Scotland with Heart of Midlothian, returning to England in 2020 for a spell with Oxford, where he struggled to have an impact. After just a handful of outings, he returned ‘home’ to Charlton, where he made 76 League One appearances in two seasons. However, he is not part of Dean Holden’s forward plans and was released at the end of the season, leaving him free to find another club.
It may not be straightforward for Warne, who faces competition for the player’s signature. The report suggests Championship clubs are also eyeing a move for Clare, with Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers named as possible destinations. The lure of Championship football could be a huge draw for Clare, who only appeared five times for The Owls at that level before his move to Hearts.
Derby, who were linked with a move for Clark Robertson yesterday, are looking for defensive reinforcements after releasing Curtis Davies, James Chester and Richard Stearman.
Writer’s View
Whilst the report names Championship clubs being in for Clare, I’ve not seen evidence he is ready to make the step up to that level. He could impact a promotion-chasing League One side, though, and that’s exactly what Derby will be.
One thing is for sure – the Rams’ defence will look very different next season, with three veterans moving on, and both Robertson and Clare have exactly what Wanre needs to add to his squad – bona fide League One experience.
