Story byJames Clarke scored five goals for Newport [Huw Evans Picture Agency]BBCThu, January 22, 2026 at 11:49 AM UTC·1 min readNewport County have announced that club captain James Clarke is retiring with immediate effect. Clarke, 36, has made 138 Newport appearances since joining the club in 2021 and has featured 16 times this season. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe previously played 126 games for Bristol Rovers and 65 for Walsall having started his career at Oxford United. Clarke also had spells at Woking, Salisbury and Oxford City."Looking at my age and the way I can move is probably not as fluid as it used to be," Clarke said in an interview on the Newport website."Maybe me moving on might free up an opportunity, hopefully [it] might free up something else to bring someone in who can probably impact on the pitch better than I can."It's not just a decision about me, it's a decision in the best interests of the club as well."AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLatest Newport County news, analysis and fan viewsListen to the latest Newport County interviews, news and discussion on BBC SoundsNewport described Clarke as a "commanding and dependable central defender" who "consistently led by example, setting high standards within the squad and offering invaluable guidance to younger players throughout his time at the club"."James Clarke will always be welcome at Rodney Parade, and we wish him and his family every success in the next chapter," the club added. Clarke's final appearance for League Two strugglers Newport was in a 2-1 defeat at Bromley on New Year's Day, when he was substituted after 75 minutes.
