Clayton Blackmore
Testimonial 16th August 1994 v Middlesbrough

Outfield Kit
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Goalkeeper's Kit
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Clayton Blackmore was somewhat of a 'cult-hero' for the success-starved United fans of the late 'Eighties. A no-nonsense, combative player who seemed equally adept in defence or midfield, he possessed a stunning free-kick.

Blackmore had originally signed for United as a foureteen year-old Associate Schoolboy in November 1978, turning professional, after an apprenticeshiop, in September 1982. He made his senior début at Nott'm Forest in United's final League game of the 1984/85 season.

Although he struggled to establish himself as a regular first team player, perhaps his versatility counted against him, he was finally given an extended run, as a full-back, in spring 1988. He remained in the side until the purchase of Paul Parker in the summer of 1991 and won an FA Cup and a European Cup Winners' Cup medal,

A Welsh international with 39 caps, Blackmore's later career at Old Trafford was blighted by injury, but he collected a Premier League title medal in 1992/93.

In May 1994 Blackmore joined up with Bryan Robson, who had recemtly been appointed player/manager at Middlesbrough. Ostensibly it was a free transfer, although United agreed to provide the opposition in a testimonial match. A crowd of almost 20,000, which included a few thousand travelling United fans, contributed around £150,000 to Blackmore's testrimonial fund.

Blackmore left the Boro in 1999, having helped the club to the Division One title in his first sason and appearing in the 1997 FA Cup Final. He had brief spells with Barnsley and Notts County before ending his career in non-League football with Leigh RMI, Bangor City, Porthamdog and finally Neath Athletic. Blackmore finally hung up his boots in 2010.

Clayton Blackmore:
245 appearances (44 as substitute)
26 goals