Richard Clarke

Richard Clarke is a sports journalist, consultant and academic.

He is a passionate fan of county cricket and especially Essex CCC. This fandom was forged in his youth with the likes of Fletcher, McEwan, Gooch and Lever but has gained vigour recently under Harmer, ten Doeschate, Porter, Cook and Cook.

Richard was a lead writer on JM96*, one of the first cricket fanzines. Now he blogs as The Grumbler and writes the only weekly email newsletter dedicated to county cricket.

His first book, Last-Wicket Stand, was published in 2020. It has been described as the “Fever Pitch” of cricket.

He is particularly interested in the business, marketing and culture of cricket.

After covering football for national newspapers, Richard was in charge of Arsenal FC’s editorial strategy from 2002 to 2015 before moving to the US to run communications and digital at MLS side Colorado Rapids.

He has also consulted on content strategy, digital and communications at USA Swimming, ATP Tennis, LIV Golf, Bundesliga, Uefa and the Premier League. Currently, he runs MSc sports business courses at universities.

Richard was a decent wicketkeeper and technically solid but terribly tedious open bat. He will always have a passionate dislike for The Hundred.

News By Richard Clarke

Features and Columns
/ 9 years ago

Martin Johnson column – I’m missing fast show but Agnew and Lloyd won’t be…

There is no finer sight in cricket than a genuinely fast bowler in full cry, mixing up the 100mph inswinging toe-crushers...

By Richard Clarke
Features and Columns
/ 9 years ago

Outgrounds – Leicestershire

When Gower rescued Taylor from a battering by snarling Sylvester Dan Whiting unearths some intriguing tales from Leicestershire’s forays into the...

By Richard Clarke
Features and Columns
/ 10 years ago

Bowlers intimidate… but can batsmen?

Garfield Robinson looks at cricket’s fear factor, whether from fast bowlers or dashing strokeplayers Fast bowlers have always sought to intimidate...

By Richard Clarke
Features and Columns
/ 10 years ago

Associate Nations – 2015 Review

By Tim Wigmore Despite the ICC’s decision to shrink the 50-over World Cup there have been some highlights in the past...

By Richard Clarke
Features and Columns
/ 10 years ago

Big names get behind bid for cricket to join the Olympics

Alison Mitchell locates a desire for the game to widen horizons Cricketing greats Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar have thrown their...

By Richard Clarke
Features and Columns
/ 10 years ago

Where are they now? Northants – Runners-up, NatWest Trophy & B&H Cup 1987

By Neil Fissler Geoff Cook admits that he still cannot believe that Northants failed to win a trophy in 1987 despite...

By Richard Clarke
Features and Columns
/ 10 years ago

Where are they now? Surrey – Benson & Hedges Cup runners-up 1979

By Neil Fissler Alan Butcher admits his abiding memory of Surrey’s Benson & Hedges Cup defeat to Essex was walking when...

By Richard Clarke
Featured
/ 12 years ago

Worcestershire Captain Daryl Mitchell Tips Moeen Ali For Test Side

MOEEN ALI’S ascension into the England ranks should act as an inspiration to the rest of the New Road squad for...

By Richard Clarke