Clarke could start in FA Cup clash (From Salisbury Journal)

Clarke could start in FA Cup clash

6:51pm Friday 6th January 2012 in News

Salisbury player-manager Darrell Clarke is not ruling out throwing himself into the heat of battle when his side take on Sheffield United in the FA Cup tomorrow.

The 34-year-old's Blue Square Bet South charges are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, but Clarke will do whatever it takes to spring a surprise on his former boss Danny Wilson.

Asked if he will select himself against a side 84 league positions above his, Clarke said: “That's the million-dollar question.

“What I will say is that I won't be playing just because it's Sheffield United, I'll be playing because I need to.

“I've had my career, so to speak, I've played in big games, big cup games, so I'll be making a professional decision. It's certainly not a case of, 'Bramall Lane? I fancy that at my age!' We'll see.”

The Whites have struggled to find form in the league and currently sit 16th, but their cup exploits have bucked the trend and, following a 3-2 replay victory over Grimsby, they find themselves in the third round for the first time.

Clarke concedes their five-game cup run, during which he has featured only once, has been a distraction at times, but believes the financial perks have provided ample compensation.

“The chairman and directors have pumped a lot of money into the football club to keep it going. We are trying long-term to reach break-even so the FA Cup money has been a help,” said Clarke.

“We've got a chance to go and strengthen but we won't be strengthening on the big-money buys, we'll be running a very cautious ship and make sure we learn from the mistakes we've made in the past few years.”

In 2009 the club was placed in administration and subsequently expelled from the Football Conference the following year after failing to meet a crucial deadline for satisfying its creditors.

They were given a glimpse of the rewards that riches can bring when the FA Cup arrived at the Raymond McEnhill stadium this morning, although Clarke admits it is highly unlikely any of his players will ever get their hands on it as winners.

The former Hartlepool midfielder does believe, however, that his side can progress to the next round at the expense of their high-flying npower League One opponents.

“You've got to appreciate that, yes they have got better players, they are the better team, but there's more than one way to skin a cat,” he said.

“We've worked on a game plan to try and frustrate them and be disciplined and you never know. We've got a bit of height in the team which may cause one or two problems for Sheffield United.”

If the Wiltshire outfit should cause a shock, it will help Clarke get some payback for being released from Pools when Wilson was manager there in 2007.

Clarke added: “I was tempted to phone him after the draw was made but I decided not to.

“I'm sure I'll have a bit of banter with Danny, he's a decent bloke, his knowledge of the game is tremendous and I'll have a good chat with him after and I'm sure we'll catch up with a drink.”

Whatever the outcome, Clarke insists the magic of the FA Cup is alive and well and his players will make the most of their moment in the spotlight.

“I've stressed to the players that they do enjoy the occasion as many of them won't get this chance again and that's being brutally honest,” he added.

“But the only way to enjoy it is to do yourself justice in the match.

“These are the games the fans love, too. We've sold over 1,000 tickets and our fans will be very vocal. It's going to be a great atmosphere in a fantastic stadium and I'm sure everyone will enjoy it.”