Drug charges against football manager to be dropped

Matt Clarke was charged with the drugs offences in April but maintained his innocence

Drug dealing charges against former Redditch United manager Matt Clarke are set to be dropped.

A hearing to dismiss the case is due to take place at Worcester Crown Court on Friday and a charge of criminal damage was dropped last month.

Mr Clarke, 50, from Bromsgrove, who has always maintained his innocence, posted on Facebook he “wasn’t in any way, shape or form involved in anything illegal and never involved with drugs of any kind”.

He had been charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis and possessing an offensive weapon.

In February, Redditch United announced Mr Clarke had taken an "immediate break" from his role due to "personal reasons".

At the time it added: "At this stage, we anticipate this to be a short break."

In a statement on Facebook, Mr Clarke said he had been informed by his solicitor the legal case would be dismissed.

He said: "I cannot put into words the stress and strain it has put on myself, family and friends.

"After the upheaval of the last few months I am smiling," he added.

The Crown Prosecution Service has declined to comment until the hearing on Friday.