Birmingham Post

Clark move was out of Toon with Roberto

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CIARAN Clark’s move to Newcastle United angered Roberto Di Matteo this summer. The Aston Villa boss wanted the centre-half on board to aid a promotion push. As an experience­d, yet prime-aged defender, Clark had all the ingredient­s to be a major player in Villa’s Championsh­ip campaign.

Tommy Elphick and James Chester are suitable replacemen­ts and Di Matteo is happy with the new-look backline that he has now assembled.

But as the Italian prepares to come face-to-face with Clark this weekend when Villa take on the Championsh­ip’s title-favourites, there’s no doubting that Di Matteo was disappoint­ed to see him leave.

It should also be noted that Clark wasn’t in a hurry to end his 16-year associatio­n with the club, either.

But with a £5million release clause inserted into his contract, offers were always likely to be forthcomin­g.

And if he decided that a move would benefit his career, Villa were powerless to stop him from departing, despite nurturing him since he was a schoolboy. When Newcastle came calling, Clark’s immediate thoughts were to listen.

But on the back of an exciting Euro 2016 adventure with the Republic of Ireland, the 26-year-old was filled with motivation to improve.He wasn’t exactly angling for a move. Privately he even aspired to be Villa captain in times ahead.

Immediatel­y won over by Toon boss Rafa Benitez, he decided that a switch to St James’ Park would be a career-improving move.

The change of scenery also appealed, as did the enhanced personal terms.

At Villa, Clark was one of the players stung with a 50 per-cent wage reduction following relegation.

And given that Newcastle felt they were getting a bargain, they were only too happy to twist his arm by offering an increased salary package.

That added sweetener left Clark with little choice but to move on.

In turn, Di Matteo raged that release clauses should no longer be included in player contracts after losing both Clark and Idrissa Gana before the close of the transfer window.

Speaking in August, the manager said: “Fundamenta­lly, there shouldn’t be a buy-out clause. If you have to give it, then you certainly shouldn’t do it for this amount of transfer fee.

“I don’t think we should give it to players. The power should always be with the club.”

Of course, these contract negotiatio­ns were handled by the previous regime before Di Matteo was recruited by new owner Tony Xia and CEO Keith Wyness.

Villa have since appointed Steve Round as the technical director and, along with Wyness, will be tasked with making better decisions in the future. The early signs are good and the power is swinging back towards the club.

Villa have also managed to make the most out of some of their other departing players.

A number of add-ons were inserted into the deal that saw Scott Sinclair leave for Celtic this summer so Villa will be due a windfall if the Bhoys are successful in domestic and European competitio­n.

Adama Traore’s progress will be closely monitored at Middlesbro­ugh, too, as Villa will be due a cut of any future sale.

But all eyes will be on Clark this weekend when he makes his Villa Park return.

The familiar face was well-liked in the Midlands and behind the scenes at the famous old ground he’ll receive plenty of well-wishes from old friends.

In the stands, the reception is likely to be mixed but Clark is tough enough to deal with whatever comes his way.

He’s enjoyed a decent start and that ‘sidewards’ move that many suggested he had made is starting to look like a clever decision. Only time will tell.

 ??  ?? > Ciaran Clark had a £5million release clause so offers were always likely
> Ciaran Clark had a £5million release clause so offers were always likely

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