ALMOST 12 months of injury woe for Darrell Clarke were put to bed in minutes this week.

The Hartlepool United midfielder didn't kick a ball for his club last season as his campaign was ravaged by two separate knee problems.

The pain was made worse as Clarke, whose contract was due to expire in the summer, looked on while his team-mates reached the Millennium Stadium in the League One play-offs.

But, with a new contract in the bag and a new manager at the club, Clarke has a spring in his step again.

A late substitute appearance in Pool's friendly win over Middlesbrough in midweek also heralded a goal - his first since April 12, 2004, in a win at Wrexham.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" he joked. "It was a nice return the other night - I was bugging the gaffer to get on.

"But I'm just enjoying being fit again and enjoying being part of the squad.

"I only got a few minutes against Middlesbrough but I got a great reception when I went on and I really appreciated it.

"Last season has gone now, it's forgotten about for me.

"We've made some good signings this summer and I know there's a lot of competition for places.

"I was really proud of the lads and what they achieved last season but obviously disappointed not to be involved.

"I scored the other night - that's goal of the season in the bag already!''

Clarke, a buy from Mansfield in 2001, added: "I've been pleased with pre-season and how it's gone for me.

"I'm quite a fit lad and I worked really hard last season when I could, especially towards the end when I could so some running, so this is just the next step for me.

"We've the new gaffer here and I can't thank him enough for what he has done for me. It's nice to still be here and I appreciate what him and the chairman have done for me.

"There were times when I wondered if I would every kick a ball again because of the knee injury, so staying here means everything.''

Clarke is about to start his fifth season at Victoria Park and boss Martin Scott had no hesitation in offering new terms, admitting: "What can I say about Darrell? He's been telling me he was man-of-the-match because you are only as good as your last touch and that was a goal!

"He's had a terrible 12 months, but that's gone. I know what he can do for us.

"He was given a good round of applause from the fans and he deserved it. It's like having another new signing.''

Clarke will be involved as Pool go to York City this afternoon.

Scott will again use a big squad of players as Pool step up preparations for the League One start a fortnight today.

The Pool boss is fostering good relations with the Conference side and is likely to send a number of his young professionals on loan next season for experience.

Scott said: "Playing Middlesbrough was an excellent work out for us, a very good exercise and we appreciated them coming to us.

"I was pleased that a lot of players got minutes under their belt. We played some good football and enjoyed a lot of possession - there are plenty of games next season when we won't get that.

"I can't imagine the likes of Brentford giving us time on the ball! But it gives us confidence and I thought in patches we played well.

"We've got another two weeks to go and the players who played a lot of games last season and had an extra week off pre-season are catching up now.

"Things are looking good. We had a few lads the other night who weren't involved and it's important not to rush them through.

"Ritchie Humphreys slotted in well at left back and that's a bit of a problem position for us now because our left backs are both injured.

"Ben Clark came off with a knock but nothing serious and because he did the sensible thing and came off straight away he won't suffer and will be OK for York.

"Chris Llewellyn did well. He did the same in Holland and showed the fans out there he is willing to work hard.

"He showed a good touch and a great finish for his goal.''

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