FORMER Redditch United manager Matt Clarke says he finally feels vindicated after drugs charges against him were dropped.
Clarke, 50, of Turntable Avenue, Bromsgrove, stepped down from his role as Redditch manager last month as he prepared to defend himself in court charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis. He was also accused of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
However, following a hearing to dismiss the case at Worcester Crown Court earlier today, all charges against him were dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) offered no evidence. A charge of criminal damage was dropped last month.
Mr Clarke, who maintained his innocence throughout, said: “I cannot put into words the stress and strain it has placed on myself, family and friends.
“There was no justification in anyway for the charges as I wasn’t in anyway shape or form involved in anything illegal and never been involved with drugs of any kind
“I have been unable to talk about it and I am aware a lot of people read the articles and assumed guilt. Can I place on record that there were no drugs or money found in the vehicle I was in and I was charged with a drug related offence even though I have never been in trouble with the police and have no criminal record of any kind.
“Thank you to all those who messaged and offered support very much appreciated and I can now concentrate on family and friends who have always been so important to me. Finally, I still have a clean record with no convictions and after the upheaval of the last few months I am smiling.”
In February, Redditch suddenly announced Clarke would be taking an immediate break from football for ‘personal reasons’.
Clarke was appointed Redditch manager in September 2020 and helped rebuild the club over the last four years.
