Footballer's split loyalty ahead of crunch final

A footballer who has played for both teams competing in the National League play-off final has said he cannot pick which side to support.

Peter Clarke, 43, turned out for Southend United between 2006 and 2009 and was at Oldham Athletic between 2016-2019.

The two clubs are due to kick-off later for a prized place back in the English Football League (EFL).

"I can't split it - I had three fantastic years at Southend - I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oldham as well."

As many as 54,000 people are expected to watch the match at Wembley Stadium, which would be a record for a National League play-off final.

Bristol Rovers' victory over Grimsby Town in 2015 was watched by 47,029.

"I think both [Southend and Oldham] should be in the EFL; they are probably the best two supported clubs in the National League," said Clarke.

"I hope in 12 months' time both clubs are back in the football league and are moving forward and on an upward trajectory."

Clarke, a defender, started his senior career at Everton in 1999, and also went on to play for Blackpool, Huddersfield and Tranmere Rovers.

He most recently played for Warrington Town in National League North, but is out of contract and hunting for another club.

He said: "I'm about a dozen games away from making 1,000 competitive appearances."

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