Basford United sign midfielder Clark from Carlton Town

Clark, 22, made 81 appearances for the Millers since breaking into the first team in 2018, scoring 16 goals in the Northern Premier League, First Division South-East.

He is United’s first signing since the Northern Premier League season was once again curtailed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Clark said: “I am absolutely buzzing that the deal is finally done, and I want to thank everyone at Carlton for allowing the move to happen”

“I was surprised when I got a phone call to say that Basford were interested, and it was very weird not being able to meet up and have that conversation face-to-face due to the restrictions.

“However, after hearing what Steve [manager, Chettle] had to say about me filled me with confidence and that was key in making my decision.

“I’m a box-to-box midfielder and thrive off high energy; happy to get around the pitch and chip in, where I can, with goals and assists.

Boss Steve Chettle added: “We wanted a player with a package that had everything.

“Ollie is a highly talented player that we have been aware of since his breakthrough at Carlton Town three seasons ago and he will certainly strengthen our squad.

“He is a high energy, central midfield player that has an eye for goal and his experience of playing in a very competitive non-league format from an early age is something that is extremely important to us.

“His performances at Carlton, the goals he scored and how he plays makes him the right fit for our football club and where we want to go, and we look forward to what the future will bring for Ollie here at Basford.”

As part of the deal, both clubs have announced a partnership for the 2021/22 campaign where Town will have the right to a first option of any available loan players leaving Greenwich Avenue.

“I am delighted to form this partnership with managers Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey at Carlton in what can be a very mutually beneficial relationship for both clubs,” Chettle added

Clark will become available upon resumption of league action.

Basford currently sit second and await news on how the campaign will end following a vote by members clubs.