JC Returns To Accrington As Professional
Thursday September 23rd 2021

 

Chairman Len Dewhurst and Jacob Clarke ©Nigel Stockley

Accrington have signed Jacob Clarke as professional for the 2022 season.

Jacob becomes the fourth home grown player to return to the club as professional following in the footsteps of Alan Worsick (1974-78), David Parsons (1983) and David Lloyd (1984-5).

Jacob rejoins the club from Ramsbottom where he played for the last two seasons.

In his final match for Ramsbottom Jacob took a match winning 6-21 at Clitheroe which were the best bowling figures by an amateur in 2021.

After graduating through the junior teams, Jacob made his first team debut on 2012.

The following season he was a member of Accrington's Championship winning team.

Jacob won the Telegraph Bowling Tankard in 2015 for taking 8-34 at Todmorden.

First team captain Graeme Sneddon said: "We are all delighted to welcome back Jake to Accrington CC as professional. Jake is a like a little brother to me and I know personally how difficult it was for him to leave Accrington, and I know how much this opportunity means to him. Jake was always Accy at heart and comes back a much better player than when he left us. He knows the league and what it means to play for Accrington and we felt this is something we needed in 2022 along with another two or three signings we are hoping to make. With Jake eager to get stuck in and plans both on and off the pitch hopefully 2022 will be a much better year for us. Welcome back Jake."

Cricket chairman Len Dewhurst said: "It’s great to welcome Jake back to the club as professional, he brings with him both league and club experience. Having played and captained Jake during his junior years I know from experience the love of Accrington CC he has. He is the perfect fit to drive the club forward in all aspects of playing cricket for Accrington CC in 2022."

Jacob said: "Firstly I want to thank Ramsbottom for everything they’ve done for me over last couple of years. They’ve improved me immensely both on and off the pitch and I’ll always be grateful to them for the love shown to me. As many will know Accrington has been my home since day one so today is a proud day for myself and my family. I want to thank everyone involved for giving me this opportunity and for believing in me. I can see already there’s a new lease of life here and since I’ve been gone some great players have returned. We’re all buzzing as a team to get back out there and take our club where we believe it belongs."