The Premier League legend, who had a season in charge at Rugby Park, has been declared bankrupt for failing to address a debt to a business finance firm
Jeremy Armstrong News Reporter and Gavin Berry Live Sports Editor
11:15, 21 Jun 2025
Former Kilmarnock boss Lee Clark
Former Kilmarnock boss Lee Clark has been declared bankrupt owing to a debt incurred with business finance company One Stop Business of York.
The ex Premier League star is best known for his time with boyhood heroes Newcastle United but also had spells with Sunderland and Fulham and after hanging up his boots moved into management which included a season at Rugby Park in 2016-17.
The bankruptcy order, which appeared in the London Gazette, will see all assets of the erstwhile midfielder frozen under the Insolvency Service's control.
Clark's banking, savings, and other significant assets could potentially be liquidated to satisfy unsecured creditors unless the debt issue is addressed.
When approached at his £2 million Jesmond mansion to discuss the bankruptcy, Clark responded to the Mirror with: "I have no idea," prior to returning inside.
On a second enquiry, he was brief, stating: "I have no comment to make. I know nothing. Don't keep pressing the buzzer."
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During his career, Clark notably amassed over 200 appearances across two stints at Newcastle United and advanced to the Premier League with both Fulham and Sunderland, featuring in upwards of 400 top-tier matches and earning caps for England Under-21s.
Lee Clark at his home
(Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)
His football journey began at Newcastle as part of Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' squad in the 1990s and saw a contentious move for £2.5 million to Sunderland in 1997, during which he fell out of favour with the club's supporters while playing under manager Peter Reid.
After departing Newcastle for a stint at Fulham followed by a return to his roots, Clark ended his playing days in 2006. His coaching career took him from Huddersfield to Birmingham City, with overseas adventures in Sudan and Oman included.
A career highlight saw his son Bobby donning the Liverpool jersey before heading to RB Salzburg.
During an esteemed spell at Sunderland, Clark earned himself admiration for his performances and even captained the side during the successful old Division One campaign of 1998/99 season. His pundit work on TV and radio also keeps him connected to the beautiful game.
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When queried by former Sunderland striker Ally McCoist on talkSPORT about the club's chances in the play-off final, Clark didn't hesitate, professing: "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."