This post is a part of the “Terrace Talk” series from Football League World, whereby our FLW Fan Pundits provide their personal thoughts on the newest breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible signings, and more.
Both Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion have different goals for the rest of the Championship season.
The complete disparity in form that the Baggies and the Black Cats have shown recently has caused them to split off in two different directions, despite the fact that it appeared that the two teams would be locked in the play-off race that heats up into the final weeks of the season. Albion strengthened their hold on fifth place with a 2-0 victory over Bristol City on Saturday.
“The Championship’s best…” – Jack Clarke’s assertion
The injury that Jack Clarke suffered is one of the reasons Sunderland has struggled lately, other than the unpredictability surrounding the announcement of Michael Beale’s replacement.
The news that surfaced on February 28th, revealing Clarke’s absence due to an ankle ligament issue, added to the already toxic atmosphere at the Stadium of Light as results continued to push Mike Dodds’ team out of the play-off picture. It has been a terrible 2024 for the North East side.
In any case, Matt Smith of Football League World’s West Brom Fan Pundit thinks Albion ought to pursue the 23-year-old as a bold addition in the event that promotion is secured and stake a claim based on his overall play.
When asked about possible summer targets, Smith responded, “I wasn’t sure whether to push the boat out or go with a realistic signing on a free or with a fee.””Jack Clarke is perhaps the best player in the Championship, therefore I’m going to say that.”
| Jack Clarke’s 2023/24 Championship stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 33 |
| Matches started | 33 |
| Goals | 15 |
| xG | 10.25 |
| Goals per game | 0.5 |
| Assists | 4 |
| xA | 7.93 |
| Big chances created | 11 |
| Average rating | 7.76 |
| All stats as per SofaScore (Correct as of 18/03/24) | |
“His work at Sunderland has been amazing. He’s one of the best wingers in the Championship, and it’s amazing to watch him realize his potential after running into a roadblock,” he went on.
“I believe he has demonstrated excellent qualities both on and off the field. With his goals and assists, he seems to have the appropriate mindset and all the makings of a successful winger.”
West Brom should sign Jack Clarke on one condition
Smith further feels that this would only be feasible if top tier football was played at The Hawthorns for the first time in three years, given that Premier League teams have been monitoring the circumstances surrounding the former Leeds United and Spurs winger.
“It’s hard to say right now, but the reason I suggested Jack Clarke is if Albion can make it to the Premier League,” he continued.
“What’s doable? because we are unsure of their plans and how much we will spend under the new ownership. Will we throw caution to the wind and continue with the strategies that were effective under Carlos Corberan? I’m not certain.
It appears unlikely that Sunderland will gain promotion, therefore even if we succeed, we all anticipate Clarke leaving in the summer.
Smith said in closing, “It’s probably just inside realistic bounds. Although I wouldn’t anticipate it, stranger things have undoubtedly occurred, so who knows? Who knows, maybe we’ll lose Weimann and Johnston if we move up? Because I believe that Jack Clarke is the finest player in the Championship, that is why I chose him.
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