Frank Clarke: Former Shrewsbury Town, QPR, Ipswich Town and Carlisle United striker dies

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Frank ClarkeImage source, Getty Images
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Frank Clarke went on to play for Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich Town and Carlisle United

Former Shrewsbury Town centre-forward Frank Clarke has died, aged 79.

After joining the club as a youngster, Willenhall-born Clarke made his Shrewsbury debut in 1962 and went on to score 77 goals in 188 games.

Joint-second on the club's all-time scorers list, he left for Queens Park Rangers in 1968 before going on to play for Ipswich Town and Carlisle United.

He was the eldest of five brothers who all became footballers, including ex-Leeds United and England striker Allan.

The youngest of the Clarke brothers was Wayne, who also went on to play for Shrewsbury, as well as Wolves, Birmingham City, Everton and Manchester City.

"Frank was not just a goal machine," said a Shrewsbury statement.

"The value of his work-rate and build-up skills helped him reach the top flight of English football with three sides.

"QPR and Carlisle United, who were attaining that level for the first time, and Ipswich Town where he played under Bobby Robson."

After retiring from football Clarke, the eldest of the five brothers, worked as a newsagent before taking on a role at the Adams Sports Centre in Wem, which he held for 28 years.

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