Phil Clarkson was a triallist from Fleetwood who played for Norwich on 20th February 1990 in the 7-1 defeat of Sutton United in a testimonial for Mickey Stephens and Tony Rains. The midfielder began his career at Fleetwood in HFS Loans League, then moved onto Crewe for £22,500 in October 1991. He would make over 300 league appearances for Crewe, Scunthorpe (1year), Blackpool (5 years) before the Seasiders released him at the end of the 2001/02 season.

After a short spell with Bury and trials with Southport and Carlisle, he joined Halifax in August 2002. In the summer of 2003, he joined Lancaster City. Lancaster released him on 10th March 2004 as he was not being selected and he had work commitments.