Clarke has proved himself to be one of City's most important players and has grown in stature since Tony Pulis decided to make him skipper. The £250,000 bid from Forest was seen as derisory and nothing more than an attempt to bring down the price of Kris Commons, which is due to be set soon at a tribunial.
Commons made his move to Forest over pre-season,turning down a better offer from Stoke but as the two clubs could not agree a fee, the cost must be settled by tribunial. This latest move for Clarke would appear to be a cheeky attempt by Joe Kinnear to ensure Commons' price is significantly less than the £250,000 offered for Clarke.
Clarke has a great deal more experience than Commons and won his first full caps for the Republic of Ireland over the Summer. Commons on the other hand was limited to a substitutes role for much of last season and as there was no firm interest from any other club for him, Forest are likely to pay a minimal sum. City supporters will no doubt point back to James O'Connor's move to West Bromwich Albion where the club felt they were hard done by in a tribunial to set his fee. Another small fee-this time for Commons- is likely to anger both fans and management at Stoke.
Supporters should be able to console themselves however with the signature of Clarke as Tony Pulis continues to build his squad. Clarke helps form the backbone of the side and we should be delighted that he has signed.