Clarke Carlisle puts quit notion on shelf to play for York City (From York Press)

Clarke Carlisle puts quit notion on shelf to play for York City

12:00pm Friday 31st August 2012 in Sport By Dave Flett, Sports reporter

HIGH-PROFILE new signing Clarke Carlisle has expressed his delight after York City handed him an opportunity to carry on playing football having considered hanging up his boots over the summer, writes Dave Flett.

The 32-year-old turned down offers from clubs after ending last season at City’s League Two rivals Northampton.

He had retirement in mind as a media career, that has included work for Sky Sports and appearances on BBC’s Question Time, continued to flourish.

The former QPR and Leeds centre-back is also the current Professional Footballers’ Association chairman but, once the new campaign got under way, Carlisle soon decided that he was not ready to concentrate solely on his off-pitch commitments.

Explaining his arrival at Bootham Crescent, the winner of 2002’s ‘Brainiest Footballer In Britain’ contest said: “At the end of last season, I contemplated hanging up my boots and, while I had a couple of options to keep playing, I did not really entertain any offers.

“When the season started, though, I soon realised I still had the buzz for the game and that playing football is what I do.

“But by that time, those offers had fallen by the wayside because the clubs had finalised their squads for the new season, so I made it known that I was available.

“I was delighted when the gaffer here gave me the opportunity to come to a successful club because there’s no better time to sign for a team.”

Carlisle has agreed terms with City until the January transfer window and is keen to make an immediate impact, adding: “Hopefully, I can bring a vocal and physical presence to the side if selected.

“I also like to think I take control of my defensive line too and lead the guys on the pitch but, first and foremost, I have to impress the manager to get into the side.”