TWO of his former clubs are battling it out for the National League title but there is no doubt who Joe Clarke wants to win automatic promotion.

The midfielder had a spell with Solihull Moors before joining Wrexham in the summer of 2011 and he enjoyed four successful seasons at The Racecourse.

Clarke helped the Reds win the 2012-13 FA Trophy before reaching the Conference play-off final the same season, although the promotion dream was ended by Newport County at Wembley.

It is affection for the club that means Clarke hopes Wrexham can end their Football League exile, although he would like to see Bryan Hughes' side joined there by Solihull.

"The first time going to Wembley with Wrexham, with 30,000 fans there, is something I will never forget," said Clarke.

"I always look back at the highlights and photographs always pop up on anniversaries and things like that.

"I have got fond memories, it was just a shame we were not successful in the play-offs.

"I also played for Solihull so that is two of my old teams fighting for the title.

"The ideal scenario for me would be for Wrexham to finish top, especially after the heartbreak of when we lost in the play-off final because the fans don't deserve to go through that again, and Solihull to go up through the play-offs."

Clarke, who left Wrexham in 2015, had spells at Kidderminster Harriers, Brackley and Tamworth before signing for National League North outfit Leamington, his current club, in the summer of 2017.

It's all change at The Racecourse since Clarke's time in north Wales but is delighted to see Wrexham doing so well.

"I always keep an eye out for Wrexham's scores," said Clarke.

"There are only a couple of players still there from when I played, Mark Carrington and Manny Smith, and there's the coach Carl Darlington, but they seem to have a good bunch.

"They are having a good season and it is great to see the fans are right behind them still.

"Hopefully they can be successful and get promotion."

Hughes won promotion to the Premier League with Birmingham City during his successful playing career meaning Blues fan Clarke has extra incentive to see the 42-year-old bring the good times back to The Racecourse.

"I always look back on them years at Wrexham fondly and will do for the rest of my life," added Clarke.

"I am a Birmingham City fan as well so I have got extra interest in Wrexham with Bryan Hughes being manager.

"They seem to be playing well which is good to see so fingers crossed they can get promotion, it is only what they deserve."

Wrexham were unbeaten in Hughes' first five games at the helm, picking up four wins and a draw before losing to Leyton Orient in Saturday's top of the table clash.

But the Reds remain in title contention with eight games to go and Hughes says results are more important than performances.

"I have come in at this late stage of the season and inherited a really strong squad in a healthy position in the league," said Hughes.

"I have just tried not to change too much but just fine-tune things slightly.

"It's working to an extend, results are testament to that.

"At this stage of the season it is all about the results now; it is not about the performance value, even though I would like to give us that performance element."