Clarkson makes legal moves over challenge.

FORMER Blues favourite Ian Clarkson is set to seek damages through the courts after a horror tackle put his career in doubt.

The 28-year-old defender is following hot on the heels of former Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City striker Gordon Watson, who picked up pounds 1million after a challenge from Huddersfield Town's Kevin Gray put his playing days in jeopardy.

Northampton wing-back Clarkson was sent crashing to the deck by a challenge from Lincoln City's Wolverhampton-born Lee Thorpe in the Cobblers' fifth Nationwide League Division Two game of last season on August 31.

He suffered an oblique fracture to his right tibia which put him out of any sort of action for seven months.

Clarkson, who spent three years with Stoke City after chalking up more than 150 appearances at St Andrew's, said: "I went in for a tackle on the half-way line and it left me writhing in agony. I haven't played a first-team game since.

"I've been to see a solicitor about the tackle and he thinks I've got a very good case."

Clarkson signed professional forms in December 1988 and made his debut as a 17-year-old against fierce rivals Villa in a League Cup game, only to see Garry Thompson and David Platt earn the visitors a 2-0 win.

Clarkson went on to skipper Blues at 20 and fondly recalls the 1991 Leyland DAF victory over Tranmere.

At Stoke, he was part of a side that beat Manchester United 2-1 in the League Cup, only to go out by the odd goal on aggregate. He then suffered Wembley Division One play-off heartbreak as the Potters were dumped by Leicester City.

Now, even though he has proved his fitness by playing five reserve games at the end of the campaign, he knows the injury could mean he never performs again. Manager Ian Atkins, a former team-mate at Blues, has only offered the out-of-contract player a three-month deal in view of financial restrictions in the aftermath of relegation to Division Three.

Clarkson said: "Since breaking my leg I've worked very hard to get fit but I know my career is in limbo.

"Right now, I'm in a very precarious situation and I know I may never play again. The offer I've had is only verbal. Nothing is on the table. And I know if I accept it, something could go wrong. It's a no-win situation in a way.

"I've spoken to a couple of clubs although I hope something can be sorted out at Northampton.

"But Town return for pre-season training on June 28 which is early and doesn't leave me a lot of time to sort things out.

"To think before this tackle, I helped the club get to Wembley twice and to promotion."

Clarkson believes the Bosman ruling has taken many lower league players to the brink of financial ruin.

He said: "Freedom of contract is working completely against players in our leagues. My wife, Paula, has started a college course. I'd be kidding if I said all footballers were strapped for cash but you have to watch what you're doing and how often you go out.

"It is a worrying time for me."

Clarkson became famous for making his own piece of history when he scored his first goal against Chesterfield in April 1998 after 400 first team appearances. He added: "I might not be a goalscorer but if I played ice hockey I'd have all the assists!"

In view of his current fragile position, Clarkson is already looking towards a new vocation outside the game if his career flounders in the autumn.

He is well down the road to completing his UEFA B coaching badge and sees himself as a player-coach in future years.

But Clarkson is itching to get into the media and is currently studying shorthand at Solihull Technical College.

He added: "I've got a few irons in the fire for when I finally have to call it a day. After being slated by the press for the best part of my career, as they say, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em'!"