With yesterday evenings confirmation that striker Leon Clarke had swapped Bramall Lane for Wigan Athletic on a loan spell for the remainder of the 2018/19 campaign, although there was no buy deal spoken about in the confirmation from Sheffield United, many fans seemed to feel it was the end of the road for the 33-year-old.
➡️ OUTGOING
The Blades have allowed experienced striker Leon Clarke to join Wigan Athletic.
The 33-year-old moves to the DW Stadium on-loan until the end of the season with immediate effect.#SUFC
— Sheffield United (@SUFC_tweets) January 30, 2019
Although the campaign of 2018/19 hasn’t been great for the man on a goalscoring front with only three registered efforts to his name, his work rate and team spirit isn’t in doubt and he leaves us, at least temporarily, with 63 starting appearances to his name, a further 28 substitute showings and a solid return of 31 goals.
If this is the end of his time at the club, he certainly leaves with thanks from the fans given his efforts in our shirt as we stage yet another promotion attack from the Championship on the Premier League as we look to restore our top-flight status under manager Chris Wilder.
This is a small taste of the love for the man from the faithful as news of his departure was announced.
That goal at Vale away ????
— Callum flatters (@flatters_callum) January 30, 2019
All the best Leon,,never forget they’ve only got Clark up front ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/7W4LQJ1QfI
— ⚔1⃣8⃣8⃣9⃣⚔ (@dan11priest) January 30, 2019
Scored some super goals ,. Sad to see him go but needs to be playing , too good to be a bit part player or outside of the squad
— PAHS (@PaulHolmshaw) January 30, 2019
All the best Leon ⚔️???? pic.twitter.com/SbcPEfMCPc
— Thomas Hill (@Hilly_SUFC) January 30, 2019
LEON! first departure in a while where people have been truly sad to see um go. A massive part of the Wilder epoch ????
— Declan Sean Kenny (@declankenny94) January 30, 2019
Sad to see Leon go, I never thought I would say that when he signed. What a man he is, he's created some fantastic memories. #LC9 #UTB
— Karen (@KW04) January 30, 2019
Thanks for the memories, Leon. An unwanted arrival when he signed, and an unwanted departure now he’s gone. Wigan have a fantastic pro there. All the best #sufc
— Michael Storey (@stoz_esquire) January 30, 2019
There was plenty more where that came from!