FORMER Redditch United skipper Matt Clarke is set to make a dramatic return to the Valley Stadium.

The former Hereford United defender left the club at Christmas to link up with Nationwide Conference North rivals Stafford Rangers.

Budget cuts and a public fall-out with former manager Rod Brown did little to keep the player at the Reds but Clarke is now ready to make his return.

Stafford won promotion to the Nationwide Conference at the end of the season but Redditch boss Gary Whild said the defender was now looking forward to another stint with the Reds.

"Matt has played in the Conference before and has turned down more lucrative deals to sign for us," the manager explained.

"Worcester City and Hinckley were both trying to sign him while Stafford were also keen for him to stay.

"But we had a meeting with him and he made it clear that he wanted to be a Redditch player again. We know what a good player Matt is and in the area he plays he is as good a player as you are going to get in this division.

"He is a strong player who has done it at a high level and I am delighted to have him back on board."

Clarke's spell at Stafford was hit by injuries but he made the perfect start when he scored a late equaliser against Worcester City on his debut.

The defender had spells with Wolves, West Brom and Halesowen Town as a youngster before heading to Kidderminster Harriers in a £10,000 move. After a season at Aggborough he left for Hereford United where he played around 150 games over four seasons before further moves took him to Telford United and finally to Redditch.

But while Whild has been boosted by Clarke's decision to return, he will be looking for a new skipper following Mark Taylor's departure for Bromsgrove Rovers.

The 40-year-old had been in talks with the Reds boss but opted instead to step down two divisions and link up with former manager Rod Brown.

"Mark has been a tremendous servant to the club and has enjoyed a lot of success," Whild added. "But maybe it is a move that will be for the best for all parties when you consider his age.

"If you want to hold up an example of how to do things as a player then Mark Taylor would be that person and we wish him all the best."

Midfielder Daire Doyle has also made the switch to Bromsgrove while Rory May and Damon Jarrett have been released.