Northampton Town have signed goalkeeper Ryan Clarke on a two-year contract from Oxford United.
The experienced 'keeper was no longer a part of Michael Appleton's plans at Oxford which saw him make the short trip to Northampton where he will team up again with Chris Wilder who was the former Oxford boss.
He was signed by Wilder for Oxford in 2009, and went on to make 264 appearances for the club.
Wilder's influence the key for Clarke
Clarke admits one of the key reasons for the move to Sixfields Stadium was Wilder who he has worked with before.
Speaking about his former and now new manager, Clarke said: “You know that if Chris is in charge of a team then whatever level it is they are going to be in the mix and there or thereabouts."
On a football level he said it was "a no-brainer", because he wants "to be up there challenging for things". Clarke admitted, "Chris is a pure footballing man."
He went on to add that he knew no-one who "has standards as high as he has", and concluded: "As a player that is good as he keeps you on your toes."
Where did it all begin for Clarke?
Clarke hails from Bristol, and began his career with hometown club Bristol Rovers.
He made 23 appearances for the Gas over a six-year period, and enjoyed loan spells with Southend United, Kidderminster Harriers and Forest Green Rovers, before dropping out of the Football League.
After leaving Bristol Rovers, Clarke signed for Salisbury before then moving on to Northwich in 2008.
Summer recruitment to continue
Clarke is Wilder's sixth signing this summer after the additions of Adam Smith, Josh Lelan, David Buchanan, Nicky Adams and Alfie Potter. The recreutiment won't finish there, with Wilder looking to sign a central midfield player, a defender and a striker before the season opener on August 8th.