Josh Clarke’s Celtic exit looked settled after the young goalkeeper agreed a pre-contract with Partick Thistle in January.
Clarke pulled the plug on the deal to now join League One outfit Doncaster Rovers on a season-long loan in a situation that has caused confusion among Celtic fans.
But if a pre-contract was agreed with Thistle, how could Clarke then turn his back on the deal and make the move to Doncaster?
Firhill sporting Director Ian Barraclough cleared it up in a statement on Partick Thistle’s official website.
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Josh Clarke’s contract clause after Celtic exit to Partick Thistle
Thistle manager Mark Wilson thought he had lined up the talented young goalkeeper to become a permanent part of his squad after agreeing a deal to take him from Celtic for free.
Barraclough has now explained why Partick agreed to include a clause that allowed Clarke to join Doncaster almost immediately.
Barraclough said, “To secure Josh’s services for the back end of last season and agree a permanent deal for this summer we had to include a clause that would allow him to move on in a club of a certain level such as Doncaster were to make a move.
“The club will receive an undisclosed fee as part of the deal and Josh leaves with the thanks of everyone at the club for his efforts last season – we wish him all the best for the upcoming season.”
But Clarke isn’t a permanent member of the Doncaster squad. Yet.
Ex-Celtic academy talent Clarke’s ‘easy decision’ to join Doncaster
In a statement on their official website, Doncaster said, “Josh Clarke joins the club on an initial loan from Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle, which will be converted into a long-term contract in January for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.”
The arrangement explains why Clarke could officially join Doncaster from Partick despite only recently agreeing his permanent move from Celtic.
But Clarke was delighted to seal his move as he said, “I am really looking forward to getting going.
“I have had a walk around the stadium, and it seems like a great place to be a part of, and conversations with Grant and Kyle made it an easy decision to sign here.”
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