Adam Clayton (footballer)

Adam Clayton

Personal information
Full name	Adam Stephen Clayton[1]
Date of birth	14 January 1989
Place of birth	Manchester, England
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current team	Middlesbrough
Number	8
Youth career
1996–2008	Manchester City
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2008–2010	Manchester City	0	(0)
2009–2010	→ Carlisle United (loan)	28	(1)
2010	→ Leeds United (loan)	2	(0)
2010–2012	Leeds United	45	(6)
2010–2011	→ Peterborough United (loan)	7	(0)
2011	→ Milton Keynes Dons (loan)	6	(1)
2012–2014	Huddersfield Town	85	(11)
2014–	Middlesbrough	87	(1)
National team^‡
2009–2010	England U20	4	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 16:11, 28 August 2016 (UTC). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 12:39, 4 May 2014 (UTC)

Adam Stephen Clayton (born 14 January 1989) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Middlesbrough. His professional career started at Manchester City, and while at City he went out on loan spells to Carlisle United and Leeds United and then subsequently joining Leeds on a permanent basis in 2010. Clayton then had loan spells at both Peterborough United and Milton Keynes Dons before signing for Huddersfield Town in 2012. He represented the England U20 team at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup. In 2014 Clayton signed a four-year contract at Huddersfield's Championship rivals Middlesbrough.

Club career

Manchester City

Born in Manchester, Clayton joined Manchester City at the age of seven years. In May 2007, he signed his first professional contract with Manchester City.^[2] Shortly after signing a new contract, Clayton was given the number 31 shirt for the season.^[3]

He made the subs bench against West Bromwich Albion and then in an FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest.^[4] On 5 May 2009 he signed a two-year contract extension.^[5]

Carlisle United (loan)

Clayton joined League One club Carlisle United on loan after seeking the advice of his teammate Craig Bellamy,^[6] until January 2010, on 2 November 2009.^[7] He made his professional debut in a 2–2 draw with Morecambe in the FA Cup on 7 November 2009, coming on as a second-half substitute for Tom Taiwo.^[8] On 10 November, Clayton scored his first professional goal in Carlisle's 3–1 away win against Chesterfield in the Football League Trophy.^[9] His first league game came on 14 November in a 3–2 loss to Bristol Rovers.

On 2 January 2010, Clayton was influential in Carlisle's equaliser on his debut in an FA Cup defeat to Everton. On 18 January 2010, Carlisle re-signed Clayton on loan until the end of the season. He scored the first goal against Leeds United on 9 February 2010 in the Football League Trophy second leg.^[10] He was part of the Carlisle side that reached the JPT final, he played in the final against Southampton, but ended up on the losing side as Carlisle lost 4–1.^[11]

Leeds United

2010–11 season

He joined Leeds United on a month's loan, on 6 August 2010.^[12] Clayton made his Leeds debut as a substitute in the 76th-minute of a home game against Derby County on 7 August 2010 which ended in a 2–1 defeat. Manchester City refused permission for Clayton to become cup-tied for Leeds. He came on as a late substitute against Nottingham Forest. On 31 August 2010, Clayton signed for Leeds permanently for an undisclosed fee from Manchester City. On 21 September, he played for the Leeds reserve squad and scored his first goal in a Leeds shirt against Middlesbrough, however Clayton also received a straight red card in the match for handball.^[13] After returning from injury, he made second-half substitute appearances against Preston North End and Cardiff City.^[14]

Peterborough (loan)

On 19 November 2010, Clayton joined Peterborough United on a month's loan to gain some more match experience.^[15] He made his debut as a second-half substitute against Southampton.^[16] After impressing on loan, his loan spell was extended by a further month until 30 January 2011.^[17] On 30 December, Leeds revealed they had a recall clause inserted in the terms of Clayton's loan deal.^[18] Leeds gave permission for Clayton to play against Premiership side Fulham. He started the game as Peterborough were easily beaten. On 25 January, Clayton returned to Leeds from his loan spell at Peterborough United.^[19]

Milton Keynes Dons (loan)

He joined Milton Keynes Dons on loan on 24 March until the end of the season, in order to get some more first team games under his belt.^[20] Clayton scored his first goal for MK Dons against his former club Carlisle United. In May 2011, he played for MK Dons in the League One Play-off semi-finals where MK Dons were knocked out of the competition 4–3 on aggregate by Peterborough United. However, despite MK Dons losing out, Clayton impressed for them over the two legged play-off.^[21][22] After his loan spell ended he was heavily praised by MK Dons manager Karl Robinson who revealed he felt Clayton was one of the leading players in League One and that he would like to re-sign him if the opportunity was to arise again.^[23]

2011–12 season

With first choice midfielders Neil Kilkenny and Bradley Johnson having both left Leeds United in the 2011–12 pre-season, Clayton proclaimed that he was wanting to stake a claim to play in the first team alongside Jonny Howson for the upcoming season.^[24] He started the pre-season as a Leeds' first choice midfielder, being paired alongside Jonny Howson and Michael Brown mostly in a five-man midfield.^[25]

On the opening day of the season, Clayton made his first start for Leeds as they lost 3–1 against Southampton, he won the penalty for Leeds which was converted by Max Gradel.^[26] He won the man of the match award for Leeds in their 3–2 victory against Bradford City, he assisted Leeds' first goal for teammate Ramón Núñez.^[27][28] In Leeds' 1–0 loss against Middlesbrough Clayton almost scored his first goal for the club with a long range shot from the half way line which was tipped over the bar by Middlesbrough goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.^[29] He then started his fourth game of the season against Hull City where he received another man of the match award.^[30] Clayton received praise from manager, Simon Grayson who was very impressed with his performances at Leeds.^[31] He scored his first ever goal for Leeds with a late equaliser against West Ham United on 21 August in a 2–2 draw, Clayton also received the man of the match award for the second consecutive game.^[32]

He missed Leeds' game against Crystal Palace on 10 September with a calf injury.^[33] Clayton returned to the Leeds starting lineup in the following game against Bristol City, where he scored the opening goal of the game for Leeds.^[34] Clayton put in a strong performance against rivals Manchester United despite Leeds losing 3–0.^[35] He attracted the interest of several Premiership clubs,^[36] but said he was hoping to stay at Leeds for a 'very long time'.^[37][38] Clayton scored his third goal of the season against his former club Peterborough United on 22 October.^[39] He received the man of the match award in the game against Cardiff City on 30 October.^[40] Clayton scored his 4th goal of the season on 6 November which proved to be the match winner against Leicester City in a 1–0 win.^[41] His 5th goal of the season came on 29 November in Leeds' 4–0 win against Nottingham Forest.^[42] In April 2012, Clayton received a 2 match ban for accumulating 10 yellow cards over the course of the season.^[43]

After his first season in the team, Leeds entered negotiations with the player about extending his current deal.^[44] Clayton revealed that he was hoping to sign a new deal at Leeds and reiterated his desire to stay at the club beyond his current deal.^[45][46] After the club failed to meet the wage demands of the player during contract negotiations Clayton was transfer listed by Neil Warnock at the end of the 2011–12 season.^[47]

Huddersfield Town

On 6 July 2012, he joined newly promoted Huddersfield Town for a £350,000^[48] fee, where former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson was the manager, becoming his fourth signing of the 2012–13 season.^[49] Clayton was given the number 8 shirt by manager Simon Grayson on 12 July 2012 formerly worn by teammate Anthony Kay.^[50] He made his Huddersfield début in the League Cup first round 2–0 away defeat to Preston North End on 13 August 2012, playing the full 90 minutes of the game.^[51] Clayton made his league début in a 1–0 defeat by Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium on 17 August. He scored his first goal for Huddersfield with the opening goal in the side's 2–2 league draw away to Ipswich Town on 1 September 2012.^[52] Clayton scored his second Huddersfield goal with a penalty in a 3–1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on 19 September 2012.^[53] During January 2014, Huddersfield rejected a £1million transfer bid from Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Clayton.^[48] He ended the 2013–14 season by winning the Club's Player of the Year award after making 42 league appearances, scoring 7 goals.^[54]

Middlesbrough

On 13 August 2014, Clayton signed a four-year deal with Middlesbrough after a long transfer process for an undisclosed fee believed to be £1.5 million plus add-ons.^[55] He was handed the number 8 shirt, previously worn by Jacob Butterfield who signed for Huddersfield in the swap deal.^[56]

Adam Clayton has become an integral player in the Middlesbrough midfield under current manager Aitor Karanka, forming a formidable partnership alongside club captain Grant Leadbitter.

On 7 May 2016, Clayton won promotion to the Premier League with Middlesbrough after a 1–1 draw at home against Brighton & Hove Albion.^[57]

International career

Clayton made his debut for the England under-20 team in a victory over Italy under-20s early in 2009.^[58] He was called up for the England U20 squad in the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Clayton was given the number four shirt for the tournament.

Honours

With Carlisle United

• Football League Trophy Runner Up: 2009–10^[11]

Individual

• Leeds United Player of the Year Awards – 2011–12: Goal Of The Season Award vs Leicester City
• Huddersfield Town Player of the Year – 2014

Career statistics

As of match played 28 August 2016^[59]

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Manchester City	2009–10[60]	Premier League	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Carlisle United (loan)	2009–10[60]	League One	28	1	3	0	0	0	5	2	36	3
Leeds United	2010–11[61]	Championship	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
	2011–12[62]	Championship	43	6	1	0	2	0	0	0	46	6
	Total		47	6	1	0	2	0	0	0	50	6
Peterborough United (loan)	2010–11[61]	League One	7	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	0
Milton Keynes Dons (loan)	2010–11[61]	League One	6	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	8	1
Huddersfield Town	2012–13[63]	Championship	43	4	4	1	1	0	0	0	48	5
	2013–14[64]	Championship	42	7	2	0	2	0	0	0	46	7
	Total		85	11	6	1	3	0	0	0	94	12
Middlesbrough	2014–15[65]	Championship	41	0	3	0	2	0	3	0	49	0
	2015–16[66]	Championship	43	1	1	0	4	0	0	0	48	1
	2016–17[67]	Premier League	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	4	0
	Total		87	1	4	0	7	0	3	0	101	1
Career total			260	20	14	1	12	0	10	0	296	21

References

1. "List of Players — 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
2. "City sign up six". Manchester Evening News. 17 May 2007. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
3. "New season's squad numbers confirmed". Manchester City Official Website. 5 August 2008. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
4. "Manchester City 0-3 Nottm Forest". BBC Sport. 3 January 2009. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
5. "Clayton nets City deal". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 2009-05-05. Retrieved 2009-05-05.
6. "News & Star | Carlisle United | Latest | Adam Clayton: Craig Bellamy talked me into Carlisle United move". Newsandstar.co.uk. 2009-11-03. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
7. "Carisle mission for Clayton". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 2009-11-02. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
8. "Carlisle 2 – 2 Morecambe". BBC News. 2009-11-07. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
9. "Chesterfield 1 – 3 Carlisle". BBC News. 2009-11-10. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
10. "Carlisle 2–3 Leeds Utd (4–4 agg)". BBC News. 9 February 2010.
11. Shemilt, Stephan (28 March 2010). "Carlisle United 1–4 Southampton". BBC News.
12. "Whites bring in City starlet". Sky Sports. 6 August 2010.
13. "Leeds United: Reserves prove a point – Yorkshire Evening Post". Yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
14. Dulin, David (2010-10-25). "BBC Sport – Football – Leeds 0–4 Cardiff". BBC News. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
15. "News | News | News | Midfielder Moves Out On Loan". Leeds United. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
16. "Southampton 4–1 Peterborough". BBC News. 20 November 2010.
17. "News | News | News | Loan Extension For Adam". Leeds United. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
18. "News | News | News | Lees To Extend Loan Stay". Leeds United. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
19. "Fulham 6–2 Peterborough". BBC News. 8 January 2011.
20. "News | News | News | Adam Joins Mk'S League One Quest". Leeds United. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
21. "MK Dons 3–2 Peterborough – League One play-off semi-final first-leg match report". The Guardian. London. 15 May 2011.
22. "Peterboro' 2–0 MK Dons (agg 4–3)". BBC News. 19 May 2011.
23. Wobschall, Leon. "Leeds United: MK Dons boss heaps praise on Clayton INTERVIEW – Latest Whites News". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
24. "News | News | News | Adam Eyes Midfield Vacancy". Leeds United. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
25. "News | News | News | Paynter Goal Secures Victory". Leeds United. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
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28. "Sky Sports Live Score Centre – Football, Cricket, Rugby, Golf & F1 Coverage". Live.skysports.com. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
29. "News | News | News | Three See Red As United Lose Out". Leeds United. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
30. "News | News | News | Sparkling Leeds Hit Hull For Four". Leeds United. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
31. "Clayton's got the Premier touch". YEP. 20 August 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2011.
32. "West Ham Vs Leeds". BBC. 21 August 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
33. "Leeds vs Crystal Palace". leeds Official Website. 10 September 2011. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
34. "Leeds Vs Bristol City". LUFC. 17 September 2011.
35. "Leeds vs Man Utd". Leeds Official Website. 20 September 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
36. "Leeds midfielder attracting interest from Premier League clubs". Sky Sports. 22 September 2011.
37. "Clayton eyes Leeds Stay". Sky Sports. 28 September 2011.
38. "Happy adam reckons we're nearly there". LUFC. 29 September 2011.
39. "Peterborough United Vs Leeds". LUFC. 22 October 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
40. "Leeds Vs Cardiff". LUFC. 30 October 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
41. "United victorious at Leicester ...". LUFC. 6 November 2011.
42. "United Romp to Emotional Success". LUFC. 29 November 2011.
43. "It's Selection Chaos for United Boss". LUFC. 4 April 2012.
44. "Deal me in boss!". Yorkshire Evening Post. 21 April 2012.
45. "Clayton aiming to agree new contract". Yorkshire Evening Post. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
46. "Captain picks up Player of the Year awards..". LUFC Official Site. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
47. "Eleven Told They Can Go". superwhite1. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
48. "Huddersfield turn down £1m plus fee from Brighton for Clayton" Huddersfield Examiner 30 January 2014
49. "Adam Clayton joins Huddersfield Town from Leeds United" BBC Sport. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
50. http://www.htafc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10312~2846734,00.html
51. "Preston 2-0 Huddersfield". 13 August 2012 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
52. "Ipswich 2-2 Huddersfield". 1 September 2012 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
53. "Sheffield Wed 1-3 Huddersfield". 19 September 2012 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
54. Threlfall-Sykes, David. "Adam Clayton is Huddersfield Town Player of the Year".
55. "Middlesbrough Agree Deal to Sign Huddersfield Midfielder Adam Clayton". FTB Pro. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
56. "Middlesbrough swap Jacob Butterfield for Adam Clayton". BBC Sport. 13 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
57. Bakowski, Gregg (7 May 2016). "Middlesbrough 1-1 Brighton: Boro promoted to Premier League – as it happened" – via The Guardian.
58. http://www.thefa.com/England/mens-u20s/News/2009/italy_blake_preview_300309[]
59. "Adam Clayton". Soccerbase. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
60. "Games played by Adam Clayton in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
61. "Games played by Adam Clayton in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
62. "Games played by Adam Clayton in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
63. "Games played by Adam Clayton in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
64. "Games played by Adam Clayton in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
65. "Games played by Adam Clayton in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
66. "Games played by Adam Clayton in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
67. "Games played by Adam Clayton in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 August 2016.

External links

• Adam Clayton career statistics at Soccerbase