Clayton Blackmore is a former Welsh professional footballer who played for Manchester United between 1982 and 1994. During his time at the club, he made over 200 appearances and won a number of domestic and European titles.
Blackmore joined Manchester United as a youth player in 1980 and made his first-team debut in 1982. He was primarily a left-back, but also played as a central defender and a midfielder during his career. He was known for his excellent crossing ability, and his free-kicks and long-range shots were also a threat to opposition teams.
One of the highlights of Blackmore’s career at Manchester United was winning the FA Cup in 1990. He played a key role in the final, setting up the winning goal for Lee Martin in a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Blackmore also played in the Manchester United team that won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991, and he was a regular member of the squad that won the Premier League title in 1993.
Despite his success at Manchester United, Blackmore was never a regular starter for the team, and he often had to compete for playing time with other talented players such as Denis Irwin and Lee Sharpe. He eventually left the club in 1994 and went on to play for a number of other teams, including Middlesbrough and Barnsley.
After retiring from professional football, Blackmore went into coaching and worked with a number of clubs in Wales. He has also worked as a pundit and commentator, and has been a regular presence on Welsh television.
Here are a few quotes from Clayton Blackmore during his time at Manchester United:
On winning the FA Cup in 1990: “It’s a fantastic feeling, and it’s great to be part of a team that’s won the cup. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we stuck together and managed to get the win in the end.”
On his role in the team: “I’ve played in a few different positions over the years, and I’m always happy to do whatever the manager asks of me. The most important thing is to help the team win.”
On the team’s mentality: “We’ve got a great team spirit here, and that’s what sets us apart from other teams. We all work hard for each other and we’re always pushing each other to be better.”
On the fans: “The fans at Old Trafford are amazing. They really get behind the team and create a great atmosphere. It’s a privilege to play in front of them.”
On his time at the club: “Manchester United has been a huge part of my life, and I’ll always be grateful for the experiences I had here. It’s a fantastic club with a great history, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
Here are a few quotes about Clayton Blackmore from others during his time at Manchester United:
Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United manager: “Clayton was a versatile player who was always willing to do a job for the team. He had a great left foot and was a real asset to us.”
Bryan Robson, former Manchester United captain: “Clayton was a great professional and a top player. He had a fantastic attitude and was always willing to work hard for the team.”
Lee Sharpe, former Manchester United teammate: “Clayton was a really good player, and he was always one of the hardest workers in training. He had a great sense of humour too, and he was a popular member of the squad.”
Ryan Giggs, former Manchester United teammate: “Clayton was a great guy to have around the dressing room. He was always up for a laugh, but when it came to playing, he was deadly serious. He had a great left foot and was always a danger from set-pieces.”
Gary Neville, former Manchester United teammate: “Clayton was a brilliant player, and he was always willing to give advice to the younger players in the team. He had a wealth of experience and was a great presence to have around the squad.”