Joseph Clark

Joseph, known as Joe, joined Dundee from East Craigie a local junior club in 1893. He signed for the “A” team as a centre forward, and was thought to be “a clever player although on the light side.”

Football must have been a relief from a turbulent home life. In June 1893, his father was in court charged with assaulting Joe and his brother David. There was a history of domestic violence within the home according to evidence given.

In December 1894, Joe left Dundee to move to England and join Glossop North End, who were located in the Midlands.

He moved to Loughborough for the 1895-1896 season. Like Dundee F.C., two teams merging had formed the club. He scored on his debut in a friendly match, made thirteen appearances.

Re-joining Dundee for the 1896-1897 season, Joe played as an outside right, partnering Joe Deviln. He made nineteen first team appearances, and scored ten goals, in the League. He also made three Scottish Cup appearances.

Dundee F.C. had financial problems by the end of the 1897-98 season, and were unable to pay “summer wages” during the close season. Joe and four of his teammates left to join newly formed Brighton United. Although playing in their inaugural Southern League match, he was back in Dundee by January 1899.

Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Joe headed down to Manchester, for a fortnight trial with Newton Heath in September 1899. Unfortunately, almost six months later he sustained a knee injury from which he never properly recovered.

It was time for another move, this time to Middlesbrough. Joe has been assigned Legacy number 36 with the club, but he only made one appearance. The previous injury reoccurred on his debut, and curtailed any chance of continuing in a playing capacity.

Once more, he returned to the city of Dundee. Football was in his blood, so as he was unable to play he started refereeing junior matches.

Although unable to play anymore at a professional level, Joe joined Lochee United in November 1901, taking up his original position of centre forward. As fate would have it his debut was against Dundee’s “A” team.

For a man of many clubs, who travelled many miles in his career, it was well known that he suffered terribly from travel sickness.

Joe died in Aberdeen on 26^th March 1946, aged 71 years.