Back to Northampton for Clare - November 24, 2000
Irish u21 international Daryl Clare has been loaned out to Northampton for the second time in his short career. The Grimsby midfielder will join the Cobblers on a month's loan today and could well go straight into the team for tomorrow's game against Walsall.
Daryl has only played a bit part with struggling Grimsby this season so far and the loan is seen as a great opportunity to get him match fit.
Northampton tried to sign him after his first loan spell last season but Grimsby manager Alan Buckley gave little respect to their £100,000 offer.
The 22-year-old Jersey-born player is reminiscent of Ray Houghton in the way he plays the game. He was a star for the Irish u21 team last year, putting in some great performances both home and away.
Clare played nine games for Northampton on loan the last time and he scored a healthy three goals. Northampton went on to earn promotion from Division Three and since they moved up to the higher level they have done a great job to hold their own in the top half of the table.
Clare's thoughtful football could be the key to helping to retain a play-off position heading into the New Year - which is far more than could have been expected in August.