Premier League legend declared bankrupt as £2m house listed on court order

A former Premier League star has been declared bankrupt over a debt to a business finance firm. Lee Clark, who played for Newcastle United, Sunderland and Fulham, said he 'had no idea' about the order made against him today.

It was filed with the London Gazette. The petitioner was a finance firm called One Stop Business based in York. It will result in all of the former midfielder's assets being frozen under the control of the Insolvency Service.

His bank accounts, savings and other valuable assets could be used to pay his unsecured creditors if he does not address the debt. He told the Mirror that he was unaware of the bankruptcy order when we called at his £2m mansion in Jesmond, Newcastle.

Asked about being made bankrupt, he said: "I have no idea," before going back into the property. When we called again, he added: "I have no comment to make. I know nothing. Don't keep pressing the buzzer."

Clark, who made over 200 appearances during two spells at Newcastle United, also enjoyed successful promotions into the Premier League with Fulham and Sunderland. He played more than 400 top flight games and represented his country with England under 21s.

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He began his career at Newcastle and was part of Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' in the 1990s. He made a high profile £2.5m move to Sunderland in 1997. But he angered their fans during his time under manager Peter Reid.

He was spotted wearing a T-shirt bearing a derogatory slogan aimed at 'Sad Mackem B******s' at the 1999 FA Cup final. He did not play for the club again, but moved to Fulham before a brief return to Newcastle.

After his playing career ended in 2006, he was manager at Huddersfield, Birmingham City and Blackpool and also had spells in Sudan and Oman. His son Bobby played for Liverpool before joining RB Salzburg.

Clark had been a popular and highly-rated player during his time at Sunderland. He was part of the team that won promotion from the old Division One during the 1998/99 season. Clark had even captained the club at times. He has also worked recently as a TV and radio pundit.

Asked whether he would want Sunderland to win the play-off final by ex-Black Cats striker Ally McCoist on talkSPORT, Clark said: "Do you know what Ally?

"I've said this all the time, and my pals will tell you this, whoever spoke to us, I want Sunderland in the Premier League. I want the derby games back. I would love Middlesbrough in the Premier League. I want the North East clubs back.

"Let's get North East football back on the map."

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