Matthew Clarke explains his reasons for swapping Linfield for Livingston

There have been a number of high-profile departures from Linfield since the season ended, but Matthew Clarke's exit is the one which probably raised the most eyebrows. The 30-year-old is a dyed in the wool Blueman who had just completed his testimonial season at Windsor Park.

But Clarke has revealed that after speaking to Livingston boss David Martindale at the start of the year their was only one place he "really wanted to go". Livi's six-year spell in the Scottish Premiership is coming to an end, but despite their relegation Clarke is relishing the challenge ahead with his new club.

"Once it came to January or February time the club had spoken to me and offered me a new contract, but once I spoke to Davy at Livi there was only one place I really wanted to go," Clarke told Livingston's YouTube channel. "The season has been difficult for the club with relegation confirmed, but it's a club I think has competed well over the last six seasons in the SPL.

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"We're down to the Championship now but it's an exciting challenge and hopefully we can push to get the club back to where it belongs. It was exciting and as the manager laid everything out to me it was something I desperately wanted to be part of."

Clarke was part of a victorious period in Linfield's history winning 12 trophies in the past 11 years and tasting success at home and abroad. The fullback believes those experiences will stand him in good stead as he moves to Scotland for the second time in his career.

"I came home at 19/20 after Rangers and joined Linfield, which is all I've known,” said Clarke. “I was a Linfield player for 11 years and enjoyed my testimonial season this year.

"Over my 11 years there we had a successful time together. We won five leagues together, two Irish Cups, three League Cups and two County Antrim Shields.

"I think I've the second most appearances for the club in Europe and played against some unbelievable sides. We drew Celtic one year, played Qarabag, AEK Athens, Legia Warsaw and were narrowly beaten in some of those games.

"We were denied on penalties for a place in the Europa Conference League group stages in 2022 (by RFS) and we probably should have been out of sight, but that's football and it was tough to take knowing you were 10 seconds away from going into the group stage of a European competition. I think that experience has helped me and playing against top players across Europe will hopefully help me push on when I make the move to Livi."

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