Notts County Ladies forward Jess Clarke stunned by nomination
By Dev Trehan
Notts County Ladies forward Jess Clarke admits it came as a shock to her to discover she had been nominated for the FA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year award.
The 25-year-old, who has been called up to the England squad for the friendly with Germany on November 23, finished the season with 15 goals in all competitions and has been shortlisted for the prestigious accolade that will be presented in London on Friday.
Madame Tussauds is the venue for the glittering ceremony and Clarke is proud to be shortlisted for the top award alongside Birmingham’s Karen Carney and Chelsea’s Ji So Yun.
I put in a lot of hard work at the start of the season and I was scoring goals,” Clarke told Sky Sports News HQ. “I was a threat up front but I never thought I would be nominated for the Players’ Player of the Year award.
Delighted
“I’m absolutely delighted, it’s amazing to be honest. It took me completely by surprise but at the same time it’s nice to be recognised by your fellow players.
“The league’s really competitive at the minute and there are a number of players who have had really solid seasons and to be recognized in that company is a massive compliment.
“It’s not by chance that those players have also been nominated and I think they are both worthy candidates and whoever wins on the night will probably be deserving of the trophy.”
A serious knee injury to team-mate Ellen White gave Clarke, who has spent much of her career playing out wide, the chance to operate as the focal point of County’s attack last season.
Character
Clarke is confident England striker White will be back to her best soon and will add quality to County’s squad next term.
“Ellen’s a tough character and I know she will come back from her injury very strong,” Clarke said.
“Her injury was disappointing for everyone. We were working a lot with each other during pre-season and working very effectively with one another.
“It will be massive when we get Ellen back. It will really push our squad on and make us stronger.”