Former Bristol Rovers, Newport County and Walsall star joins Cymru Premier club
James Clarke has signed for Cymru Premier outfit Cardiff Met. (Image: Charlie King/Cardiff Met FC)
Cardiff Met have completed the signing of former Football League defender James Clarke, following his recent departure from Newport County.
The 36-year-old joins the Archers for the final seven matches of the season as they aim to close a three-point gap to seventh-placed Haverfordwest County in the JD Cymru Premier.
Clarke brings a wealth of experience to Cyncoed Campus, having enjoyed a 19-year professional playing career. The last decade of that spell was spent in the EFL, where he featured prominently for three clubs and captained Newport County during his time with the Exiles.
In January, it was announced that Clarke would retire from professional football with immediate effect. Speaking to Newport’s official website at the time, he explained the reasoning behind his decision.
“Looking at my age and the way I can move, it’s probably not as fluid as it used to be,” said Clarke to the official club website.
“It’s not just a decision about me — it’s a decision in the best interests of the club as well.”
An academy graduate of Watford, the experienced defender began his senior career at Oxford United before spells with Oxford City, Salisbury City and Woking.
His breakthrough in the English Football League came at Bristol Rovers, where he reunited with Darrell Clarke at the Memorial Stadium following their time together at Salisbury. During four seasons with the Gas, he made 126 appearances, played a key role in promotion from League Two, and established himself as a dependable presence in League One.
Newport County spell
He later joined Walsall, becoming a regular in the side, before signing for Newport County in 2021. Across four-and-a-half seasons with the Exiles, he made 138 appearances and served as club captain.
Despite stepping away from the professional game last month, Clarke had already prepared for life beyond the pitch. He holds an FAW B Licence and has been working within Cardiff Met’s academy structure, coaching alongside first-team stalwarts Adam Roscrow and Eliot Evans.
He now returns to the pitch with the Archers as they look to finish the campaign strongly. A debut could come on Saturday, February 21, when Ryan Jenkins’ side travels to the Essity Stadium to face Flint Town United.
