JAMIE CLARKE is set to return to the Armagh fold in 2017 as he prepares to make his way home from his travels.
The Irish News understands Clarke will return home in mid-December and will return to the Orchard setup for next season. The prodigiously talented Crossmaglen man opted to see the world this year, returning to the United States and taking the year out of Gaelic football. Based in New York, he signed for Cosmopolitan Soccer League outfit Shamrocks and played GAA for the Longford club in the city.
A post on social media site Instagram on Monday night hinted he was set to return home. Posting a picture of himself kicking a ball in the Armagh colours, the caption simply read: “I’m ready”.
Two weeks ago, the 27-year-old also posted a picture with Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney in New York, where they met recently. After opting out to go travelling, Clarke was forced earlier this year to release a statement defending McGeeney amid rumours of a fallout.
"My decision not play for Armagh senior football team this year has absolutely nothing to do with Kieran McGeeney being the manager," the statement released in June read.
"It is no hidden secret that I have other ambitions outside of football, resulting in the need to travel and live outside of Ireland,” he said.
It is also naturally expected he will be back lining out for the club, who have reappointed Gareth O’Neill as their manager for next season. Clarke missed his club’s run to the Armagh title in 2015, but returned late on in the year to help them across the line in Ulster and kicked four points in February’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Castlebar.
He played no part for Crossmaglen or Armagh beyond that game this year, but it looks as though his self-imposed exile may be coming to an end.
