I did a short spell at Sunderland fanzine A Love Supreme back in 2005 when trying to find my feet in journalism. It didn't happen for me although I'm pleased to say I managed to get a couple of bits published in the magazine, the most proud of which was with then Poolie defender Ben Clark. Having to write as a pretend SAFC supporter wasn't the best, so I spent my time writing about ex Sunderland players who had gone to Hartlepool, before presenting them to the ALS editor Martyn McFadden. The one he saw prospect in was about Clarky, and as the editor was still in touch with Pools assistant boss Martin Scott (again ex S'land), an interview was set up. You may notice slight Poolie biased in the interview...
"A few eyebrows were raised around SoL last October when Ben Clark swapped the bright lights of Sunderland for the slightly dimmer surroundings of Hartlepool. The former England U21 international's pedigree had been overlooked by three different managers during his time with the lads, and his skills could only be seen on a regular basis at Archibald's Stadium (
S'land's reserve ground). It was a surprise to us that Clarky was always in the reserves, especially considering Phil Babb was constantly picked ahead of him.
Clark, a life-long Sunderland supporter, moved down the A19 on a free transfer. He had made only 17 Sunderland appearances in four years, despite the fact he'd been tipped to have a promising future.
Since joining Hartlepool he has helped them continue to punch above their weight, with the club looking to cement another League One play-off position come May. Pools already have a solid back line so boss Neale Cooper has decided to play him in a central midfield role, where his tough tackling, strength and good distribution have won him many fans at Victoria Park.
The addition of Clark to Hartlepool's threadbare squad was worth its weight in gold, and helped the Monkey Hangers achieve one of the best home records in the country. So with Clark doing so well for Pools, we at ALS decided to catch up with him and see how things are going since his exile from Sunderland...
You're a Sunderland lad. Who sticks in your mind as the best players you've seen play for Sunderland and why?
I think when I was there Kevin Phillips was amazing, and Quinny was really good as well. Just before I left I was also good mates with Gary Breen. And before that I used to like watching Dariusz Kubicki. A whole variety of different players basically.
Did any of them influence you?
Not really. I was there with Phillips and Niall Quinn were top pros. Jason McAteer was also a big help with the young lads. Basically all the older pros were a big help.
How did you feel when you signed for Sunderland?
I loved it. It's every boy's dream to play for his hometown club. Especially me coming back from Manchester (United) to Sunderland, and it was a dream to play in front of supporters.
What are your best memories of being at Sunderland?
I think playing for Sunderland against Hartlepool in the FA Cup. There were 10,000 Hartlepool supporters in, and the crowd was 42,000 or something at the game, so it was great to play in. Luckily Sunderland managed to win one nil
(nb - he was playing for SAFC in that game)
What was it like to captain your country at under 20 level?
It was a big honour. It's every boy's dream to play football but to captain your country at that age was a brilliant experience, a great thing to do.
How did you feel when you were told you'd be leaving SAFC?
I was disappointed. I think that I probably stayed at Sunderland too long just because I supported them. I think it was harder for me to leave the club because I'm a fan. But at the end of the day it was the right time to leave, because I had to think about myself and my career.
Do you think you were given a fair chance at Sunderland?
Personally I don't think I was. I needed more opportunities to play more games for the club, because in the games I did play I felt I hadn't really done myself justice. At the end of the day you've got to go by the manager's decision, but I still think I deserve more chances. When I left I felt the time was right, but the first result I look for when I've finished a game is to see how Sunderland got on.
Sunderland seems to have a habit of letting younger players leave. Do you think there is a problem?
I'm not too sure about that. Although it's very hard now for the young lads coming through the youth system trying to get in the first team. I know Chris Brown is doing very well there, so let's hope he keeps going. He needs to keep his head on his shoulders, try to keep progressing and knock on the door of the first team, and hopefully the manager will keep picking him.
Who helped you settle in at Hartlepool the most, and how?
Martin Scott was huge influence because he used to be at Sunderland when I was there. That helped me settle in quickly which is what you need to play well. Some of the older players helped too. Michael Barron who's been here for nearly ten years helped me too.
Why do you think Hartlepool have done so well over the past few years?
They've got a great team spirit and all the lads get on well together, along with the manager and Scotty the assistant. There is good banter between us all. Overall it's down to the good team spirit.
Any chances of getting promotion?
It's still very much in our hands I think. We don't fear anybody in this league. We just need to keep going and win a few more games. A few more wins and I think we'll be safe in the play -offs.
In your own opinion, what are your strengths and weaknesses in your game?
I think my strengths are that I'm very comfortable on the ball and I like to play football, as passing is possibly the biggest part of my game. My weakness is my heading, which I really need to work on.
What are your ambitions for the future?
Hopefully to try and get Hartlepool United into the play-offs. After that keep challenging for promotion to the Championship, and then I'll just take it from there...
A big thanks to Ben and good luck for the rest of the season. I still can't help thinking that we've let a good quality player leave the club. Admittedly Sunderland are currently strong in defence and there is more than enough talent at the back in the event of a defensive injury plague. However it is a shame that a talented young player who promised so much, starting out at Man Utd and captaining England U19s at the 2002 Euro Championship, was never really given the chance to shine at the Stadium of Light. Clark joins a list of players such as Jonjo Dickman, Craig James and Patrick Collins, who were all tipped for great things but have left the club and disappeared into the lower leagues. In this case, Sunderland's loss is Hartlepool's gain".
This interview was at the end of 04/05 season, and Hartlepool did indeed make the play-off final losing out to Sheff Wed. Clark continued playing for Pools, suffering relegating in 2006 followed by immediate promotion in 2007, before being released in 2010 after making 162 league appearances. He has been playing for Gateshead since, being made club captain and being named player of the year 2011.
