Adam Clayton

Manchester City

Clayton was born in Manchester. He joined Manchester City at the age of seven, and signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2007. Given the number 31 shirt for the 2008–09 season, Clayton was an unused substitute in the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion in December 2008, and again in an FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest in January 2009. On 5 May, he signed a two-year contract extension.

Carlisle United (loan)

After seeking the advice of his teammate Craig Bellamy, Clayton joined League One club Carlisle United on 2 November 2009 on loan until January 2010. He made his professional debut five days later in a 2–2 draw with Morecambe in the FA Cup, coming on as a second-half substitute for Tom Taiwo. On 10 November, Clayton scored his first senior goal in Carlisle's 3–1 away win against Chesterfield in the Football League Trophy, and he made his Football League debut four days later in a 3–2 loss to Bristol Rovers. In the last match of his loan spell, Clayton's poor backpass led to Everton taking the lead in the FA Cup third round, but within minutes, he made a powerful run and his shot was deflected in for an equaliser; Everton scored two late goals to win 3–1. The loan was extended to the end of the season. He scored against Leeds United in the Football League Trophy semifinal second leg, and converted his penalty in the shootout that took Carlisle through to the final. Clayton played the whole of the…

Clayton was called into the England under-20 squad for a friendly against Italy in March 2009 to replace Tom Cleverley, who withdrew from the original selection. England won 2–0, and Clayton made his international debut as a second-half substitute for Josh Walker. He was a member of England's squad for the 2009 U20 World Cup, where he wore the number 4 shirt. He started two of England's three matches as they were eliminated at the group stage.

In March 2025, Clayton was appointed interim player-manager of Matlock Town following the departure of Ryan Cresswell until the end of the 2024–25 season. Despite being unable to save the club from relegation, he was appointed to the role permanently on 28 April 2025. On 27 December 2025, Clayton was sacked with the club in third position, seven points behind league leaders Redcar Athletic. However, two days later, Clayton was reinstated as Matlock manager. On 26 March 2026, Clayton was sacked for a second time following a 4–2 defeat to Redcar Athletic, securing their opposition the league title. In June 2026, Clayton reunited with his former Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark, signing a two-year deal to become assistant first-team head coach at National League club Hartlepool United.

As of match played 21 April 2025