Steve Clarke

The right-back who won three trophies and later guided Chelsea to two Premier League titles from the dugout.

via Wikipedia: Steve Clarke · see source

Born on 29 August 1963, he joined Chelsea in January 1987 for £422,000 from St Mirren, where he had completed an apprenticeship as an instrument engineer. A right-back by trade, Clarke made 421 appearances for the Blues over eleven seasons before retiring in 1998. His playing career culminated in a treble of major trophies: the 1997 FA Cup, the 1998 Football League Cup, and the 1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. In his final match against VfB Stuttgart in Stockholm, he secured that third piece of silverware before transitioning into coaching, eventually becoming a key assistant under José Mourinho.

Quick Facts

Full name: Stephen Clarke
Born: 29 August 1963
Birthplace: Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland
Height: 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in
Position: Right-back
Total caps: 530
Total goals: 14

Lore & Background

Clarke's time at Stamford Bridge was defined by resilience and tactical adaptability. Transferred for £422,000 in January 1987, he stayed until 1998, a period that saw him play under Ruud Gullit and later serve as assistant to José Mourinho. As a player, Clarke won the 1997 FA Cup final, the 1998 Football League Cup final, and the 1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final. The latter match against VfB Stuttgart in Stockholm marked his final appearance for the club.

Beyond the pitch, Clarke valued Chelsea's environment deeply; in February 2019, he stated he was thankful the club signed him because it allowed his family to escape religious sectarianism in western Scotland. His loyalty was recognized when he was voted into Chelsea's centenary XI in 2005 as a right-back. As an assistant under Mourinho from summer 2004, Clarke completed his UEFA Pro Licence in 2006 and helped the team secure two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups over three seasons.

Reader's Guide

As a player (1987–1998), he was a consistent right-back who won the FA Cup in 1997, the League Cup in 1998, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1998. His retirement came after the Stockholm final against VfB Stuttgart. As a coach (2004–2008), he served as assistant to José Mourinho, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups. He earned his UEFA Pro Licence in 2006 during this period. His departure in September 2008 followed a resignation dispute with Chelsea regarding compensation for his move to West Ham United. Notably, he was named to the club's centenary XI in 2005, cementing his legacy as both a player and a coach who contributed significantly to the Blue side's success.