McKenna: Philogene and Clarke Form a Challenge and a Blessing
Friday, 24th Oct 2025 17:11
Blues boss Kieran McKenna admits the form of left-sided forwards Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke is both a challenge and a blessing.
Philogene is Town’s top scorer having bagged five goals – all at home so far – in seven starts and two sub appearances.
Clarke is second on the list having netted four times, two from the penalty spot, but having started only five Championship matches with a further five of his league appearances having come from the bench.
The pair have been the standout performers among the attacking unit but McKenna admits it’s tough to get them both in the same team as they both prefer to play on the same side of the attacking three behind the main striker.
“That’s probably fair to say,” McKenna said. “It’s a challenge and a blessing in some ways.
“I think they’re both playing really, really well. It’s no coincidence that they’re both in their second season here, so although last season didn’t go probably how either of them would have wanted exactly, they’ve come through some experiences and are more settled now, have both done the full pre-season with us and are both really good players at the level and players we really like.
“Both of them are much happier playing on the left-hand side, and that’s the truth. Both of them are capable of playing on the right-hand side, but aren’t as comfortable there.
“So, it’s not easy to get them both into the team at the same time. Not impossible, but not easy. On the other hand, with the amount of games that we have had, having them both there, both fit, both available, one starting, the other one coming off the bench, both are scoring, both are working hard for the team, [has been beneficial].
“Jaden’s had a really, really good season so far, Jack’s probably been the best forward player in the last couple of games that he started as well.
“I think it’s a strength of the team and of the group. That’s the goal, to have that in every position. It’s not always a reality, but if we could get to the position where we have two players in really good form, both off and running in terms of goals, and really comfortable in the role in each of the forward positions, I would much rather have it that way.”
Photo: Matchday Images
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Cloddyseedbed added 17:48 – Oct 24
Meanwhile we’re weak as hell on the right.
rjm added 18:18 – Oct 24
Can we drop Egeli or McAteer for one of them on the right then??
grow_our_own added 18:25 – Oct 24
“happier playing on the left-hand side, and that’s the truth. Both of them are capable of playing on the right-hand side, but aren’t as comfortable there” – why not consider Clarke for the central #10 then? Szmodics and Akpom have had one goal-involvement between them this season, so worth a try. Clarke has an eye for goal, can dribble and pass.
Bazza8564 added 18:52 – Oct 24
Egeli is the future on the right, we have to accept that these two will play 60-30, But is that such a bad thing?
Km seems to have twp blocks of four, Ivan, Jack, Akpom and Kasey, and Hirst, Jaden, Sammy and Sindre. Maybe thats the way they train and have an understanding, personally I would like to see Akpom and Ivan fighting for the 9 and Sammy centrally with Chappers brought back. Hirsty seems shot at the moment and we need some wins
Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 07:45 – Oct 25
Egeli has done ok so far, and I think will be a very good player with a bit of time and patience.
Wickets added 08:31 – Oct 25
Yes i agree there is every chance Egeli will become really good for us in time .
Orraman added 09:40 – Oct 25
I agree with Grow Your Own regarding playing Jack in the no.10 role with a free role. This was also suggested by Mick Mills post match on Tuesday. He is by far the most skilful player at the club and confidence currently Sky high. Give the lad some freedom to utilise his skills and give opponents something to think about
rugbytomc added 10:33 – Oct 25
Clarke has been awful since he arrived. This season off the bench he’s doing ok whereas Philogene when he starts is doing really well.
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