PETER Clarke has confirmed he is quitting Southend United.

In an exclusive EchoSport interview, Clarke revealed he will soon be signing a three year contract with Huddersfield Town.

And it was his desire to move back up north which ultimately helped the centre-back make up his mind.

“It’s been a very hard decision for me but I’ve been made an offer which I don’t think I can turn down,” said the 27-year-old who is from Southport.

“My wife’s dad isn’t too well at the moment. He’s having treatment and moving back to nearer where we’re from will enable her to see him a lot more.

“The length of the contract at Huddersfield also gives us some security which is important as I have my little girl to think about now but I’m leaving with a heavy heart.”

Clarke’s free transfer switch to the Terriers will be sealed in the next few weeks.

But the defender, who made 150 appearances for the Shrimpers after signing from Blackpool for £300,000 in the summer of 2006, insisted the move was not down to his wages.

“I’m sure people will speculate but it’s nothing about money,” insisted Clarke.

“The management and chairman at Huddersfield are very ambitious and I was impressed by them. Hopefully we can achieve success together but who knows what will happen? The only things in life you can guarantee are that you pay your taxes and that one day you will die.

“Only time will tell if I’ve made the right decision but I am sad to be leaving Southend.”

Clarke, who also attracted interest from Charlton Athletic, was voted Blues’ player of the year by both the club’s players and fans last season after producing a series of fine displays at the heart of the defence.

And he admitted to thoroughly enjoying his three year spell with the Shrimpers.

“It’s been good and I have some great memories from my time at Southend,” said Clarke.

“Scoring at Chelsea was fantastic and so was beating Manchester United in the Carling Cup. Reaching the play-offs was a good achievement too and so was the second half of last season when we went on an excellent run.

“I had a fantastic relationship with the manager Steve Tilson and his assistant Paul Brush too. There is also a really good group of lads at the club and I hope they do well next term.”

Clarke also praised the Southend supporters and hopes to be given a warm reception when he returns to Roots Hall with Huddersfield next season.

“The fans at the club have been brilliant towards me and the team,” said the former England youth international.

“I really can’t speak highly enough of them and I had a good relationship with them. They really got behind us in games which weren’t going the way we would’ve liked and I hope I get a decent reception when I come back next season.”

That fixture at Roots Hall is one which has already crossed Clarke’s mind and he knows it will be a very strange 90 minutes.

“It will be weird playing against Southend and coming up against so many familiar faces,” he said.

“It’s certainly something I’m thinking about but once you get out there you have to remain professional and that’s what I will do.”