Betts: I see signing of Clarke as a massive coup (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Betts: I see signing of Clarke as a massive coup

9:25pm Tuesday 6th September 2011 in Vikings news

WIDNES Vikings' player recruitment drive for 2012 has reached double figures with Jon Clarke unveiled as the club's 10th new recruit.

Clarke, who won two Great Britain caps in 2007, is currently in his testimonial season at Warrington Wolves, for whom he has made more than 200 appearances since joining from London Broncos in 2001.

Prior to this, he was a first team regular at Wigan Warriors between 1997-1999.

The 32 year-old has signed a two-year deal at the Vikings and head coach Denis Betts is delighted to renew acquaintances with his one-time Wigan team-mate.

He said: “I’ve known Jon for a long time and he’s improved the qualities that he had as a young kid and continued to push himself hard in his career ever since.

"Coming through the ranks at Wigan, it was clear to see that he was the kind of player who had the dedication to succeed and despite having the odd period of adversity along the way, he’s come out the other side on each occasion a bigger, better and stronger player for the experience.

“Alongside his on-field attributes, Jon is a great clubman too and whichever club he’s been at over the years, at each and every one of them he’s added to their environment.

"The overall quality of the man himself makes him a very valuable asset to our squad and I’m really looking forward to working with him once again and see his signing as a massive coup for the club.”

A specialist hooker by trade, Clarke's competitive spirit, courageous performances and fine support play have made him a crowd favourite throughout his career.

And, having been an integral part of the re-build at Warrington Wolves throughout the last decade, Clarke admits he is relishing the similar task that lies ahead for him at the Vikings.

He said: “It’s a new and exciting challenge that I’m about to undertake at Widnes and despite the fact they’ve been in Super League before, this time around it feels like an entirely new venture and in many ways it’s a blank canvas for both the club and myself.

"We’re under no illusions that there’s going to be some tough times ahead but we’re confident there’ll be plenty of good times, too.

“The Vikings are an ambitious club and I’m an ambitious player.

"The goals I had as an 18 year-old making his way in the game are still the same to this day, and ultimately that is to perform to the best of my ability every single week both on and off the pitch.

"I’ve had ten fantastic years at Warrington but the time has now come for me to part company with the club and move onto the next chapter of my career.

"Before I do that, I’ll be doing my utmost to make sure that I can go out on a high and finish my time there on the right note.”