Newport County is pleased to confirm that defender James Clarke has agreed a new one-year deal with the club.
Clarke, who was made club captain last season, has taken up the club’s offer of an extended stay with the Exiles after his original contract expired at the end of last season.
“I’m delighted to commit to Newport again,’’ declared Clarke, 35. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club over the last four years, and I can’t wait to start my fifth season here.
“You don’t get many players staying with the same club for five years these days. So, for the club to still want me, and for me to want to be here, makes me very proud to represent this club. It’s an honour.
“I’ve already met the manager (David Hughes); worked with Hats (Wayne Hatswell) before and heard good thinks about Lee (Kendall), so it looks a really good management team.
“I’m looking forward to the season; seeing the younger players build on the experience they gained last season; and help push us up the league.’’
Clarke, who originally joined Newport in June 2021, brought a wealth of experience to Rodney Parade and played a major role in securing the club’s EFL status last season.
He began his career at Oxford United in 2007 and later played for Oxford City, Salisbury City and Woking. In 2015, he signed for Bristol Rovers, where he played an important role in their promotion to League One. He spent four years at Bristol Rovers before joining Walsall in 2019 and then making his move to Rodney Parade on an initial one-year deal.