County boss Christian Fuchs has spoken of James Clarke's "honesty" after the Port skipper announced the closure of his professional playing career just over two months after his 36th birthday writes Anthony Rees.
Aylesbury-born Clarke, a towering, intelligent and hugely influential leader at centre back, has brought down the curtain after 576 matches which started in 2007 - seeing stops at both Oxford club, United and City, Salisbury, Woking, Bristol Rovers and, of course Newport - firing nine goals in the process.
Former Leicester City Premiership title and FA Cup winner Fuchs, 39, recognised the emotional decision made by Clarke, who saw 138 matches for the Exiles, saying, "He is almost my age. I know how he feels.
"The time was ticking. He just felt he couldn't give what he wanted to do for the team anymore. I can understand how he feels, this is not easy for him. It was with a heavy heart he made the decision. He is 100% committed to this club and to the players.
"I reassured him [Clarke] he was not leaving the team down. The door is always open for him here. Maybe he won't be able to play any more. but for him, our captain, there will be probably an opportunity for him at some point - when he feels the time is right."
Fuchs continued, "There has to be a lot of respect for him given for his career and his honesty to make this step."
Former Austrian international skipper Fuchs included a fit Clarke in so many of his starting line ups, of course and he admitted, "You could see the value he had for me. But his decision now is one we must all respect, regardless of how hard it is.
"He brought a lot of experience to the table.- especially important because the players in our team are still quite young.
"I have told him the door is always open if he wanted to be part of our team - one way or another."
Clarke is known to be interested in writing a new life chapter as a coach and Fuchs, continued, "He [Clarke] has a lot to give. The players can learn much from his experience."
