19 April 2024 , 07:46
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A non-league footie boss who took a surprise leave of absence from the touchline is facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges.
Redditch United announced in February that Matt Clarke, 50, would be having an “immediate break from football for personal reasons”.
But it has emerged he appeared at Hereford magistrates’ court with two co-defendants over the drugs allegations on Valentine’s Day.
He also faced a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place when indicted at Worcester crown court last month.
Clarke, of Bromsgrove, Worcs, will appear again on May 7 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
The Southern Football League Premier Division club’s statement on Clarke’s hiatus came two weeks after the offences are alleged to have taken place on February 13.
It said at the time it “anticipates it to be a short break”.
Former right back Clarke played for West Bromwich Albion and Wolves as a youngster.
He later joined Kidderminster, Hereford and Telford United.
Clarke managed Halesowen and Evesham before joining Redditch in 2020.
Redditch chairman David Faulkner gave “no comment” when asked if Clarke had been sacked or would ever return as manager.