Craig Clay

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Craig Clay

| image = Craig Clay 07-09-2013 1.jpg

| caption = Clay playing for York City in 2013

| fullname = Craig William Clay{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/201920/squad-numbering-report-season-2019-20-07.02.20.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Leyton Orient |publisher=English Football League |page=45 |access-date=10 April 2020}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|5|5|df=y}}{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/craig-clay-230775/ |title=Craig Clay |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=29 March 2018}}

| birth_place = Nottingham, England

| height = {{convert|1.80|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url=https://www.leytonorient.com/players/craig-clay/ |title=Craig Clay |publisher=Leyton Orient F.C. |access-date=10 April 2020}}

| position = Central midfielder{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/craig-clay/ |title=Craig Clay: Profile |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=10 April 2020}}

| currentclub = Dunfermline Athletic

| clubnumber = 22

| youthyears1 = 2008–2010

| youthclubs1 = Chesterfield

| years1 = 2010–2013

| clubs1 = Chesterfield

| caps1 = 27

| goals1 = 1

| years2 = 2010

| clubs2 = → Barrow (loan)

| caps2 = 1

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2012

| clubs3 = → Alfreton Town (loan)

| caps3 = 4

| goals3 = 1

| years4 = 2013–2014

| clubs4 = York City

| caps4 = 8

| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 2014

| clubs5 = FC Halifax Town

| caps5 = 4

| goals5 = 0

| years6 = 2014

| clubs6 = Worksop Town

| caps6 = 9

| goals6 = 0

| years7 = 2014–2016

| clubs7 = Grimsby Town

| caps7 = 74

| goals7 = 5

| years8 = 2016–2017

| clubs8 = Motherwell

| caps8 = 35

| goals8 = 1

| years9 = 2017–2023

| clubs9 = Leyton Orient

| caps9 = 210

| goals9 = 6

| years10 = 2023–2024

| clubs10 = Sutton United

| caps10 = 27

| goals10 = 1

| years11 = 2024–

| clubs11 = Dunfermline Athletic

| caps11 = 17

| goals11 = 0

| nationalyears1 = 2016

| nationalteam1 = England C

| nationalcaps1 = 1

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| club-update = 19:12, 19 April 2025 (UTC)

| nationalteam-update =

}}

Craig William Clay (born 5 May 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for {{Scottish football updater|DunfermA}} side Dunfermline Athletic as a midfielder.

He has previously had spells as a professional for Chesterfield, York City, Grimsby Town and Motherwell before a four-year spell with Leyton Orient where he won several promotions and was voted the player of the year in 2019. He has also played semi-professionally for Barrow, Alfreton Town, FC Halifax Town and Worksop Town. In 2016 he was capped once by England C.

Club career

=Chesterfield=

Clay was born in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.{{Hugman|22599|accessdate=10 April 2020}} He started his career with Chesterfield's youth system in 2008 and was part of the team that won the Youth League.{{cite news |first=Tony |last=Kelly |title=Craig Clay plots to bring passion to York City's central midfield |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/10442065.Craig_Clay_plots_to_bring_passion_to_York_City_s_central_midfield/ |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=24 May 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/team/player-profile/index.aspx?playerid=443167&tcmuri=13380 |title=Player profile: Craig Clay |publisher=Chesterfield F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319145241/http://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/team/player-profile/index.aspx?playerid=443167&tcmuri=13380 |archive-date=19 March 2013}} He was named Chesterfield's Young Player of the Year for the 2008–09 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc/two-awards-for-hotshot-jack-1-484393 |title=Two awards for hotshot Jack |newspaper=Derbyshire Times |location=Chesterfield |date=13 May 2009 |access-date=24 June 2018}} His first involvement with the first team came as an unused substitute in a League Two match against Torquay United on 16 January 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=656&teamTabs=results&season_id=139 |title=Chesterfield: Results/matches: 2009/10 |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=17 July 2017}} He made the bench on a number occasions through the rest of 2009–10, but did not make an appearance.

He signed a two-year professional contract with Chesterfield in June 2010.{{cite news |url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc/contracts-for-five-youngsters-1-845344 |title=Contracts for five youngsters |newspaper=Derbyshire Times |location=Chesterfield |date=2 June 2010 |access-date=29 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625021641/https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc/contracts-for-five-youngsters-1-845344 |archive-date=25 June 2018 |url-status=dead }} He made his debut for the club on 18 September 2010, in a 3–0 home win over Cheltenham Town, replacing Mark Allott in the 85th minute. On 2 October 2010, he scored his first professional goal with a 25-yard shot during stoppage time to earn a 5–5 draw at home to Crewe Alexandra.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9036831.stm |title=Chesterfield 5–5 Crewe |website=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=7 December 2016}} On 28 October 2010, Clay joined Conference Premier club Barrow on a one-month loan with Chesterfield teammate Tendayi Darikwa.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barrow/9137173.stm |title=Barrow sign Clay and Darikwa on loan from Chesterfield |website=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2010 |access-date=7 December 2016}} His only appearance for Barrow came two days later, in a 5–0 defeat away to Rushden & Diamonds. He made four appearances and scored one goal for Chesterfield in 2010–11, in which the club was promoted to League One as League Two champions.{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=8 |title=League Two: 2010/11: Latest table |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=17 July 2017}}

Clay was loaned out by Chesterfield for a second time on 20 January 2012, joining Conference Premier club Alfreton Town on a one-month loan.{{cite web |url=http://www.alfretontownfc.com/news/law-adds-craig-clay-on-loan-1449.htm |title=Law adds Craig Clay on loan |publisher=Alfreton Town F.C. |date=20 January 2012 |access-date=17 May 2013}}{{cite news |url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc/two-more-go-out-on-loan-1-4176107 |title=Two more go out on loan |newspaper=Derbyshire Times |location=Chesterfield |date=25 January 2012 |access-date=29 March 2018}} Four days later, he scored Alfreton's third goal in a 3–0 win away to Bath City on his debut with a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 90th minute.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16589202 |title=Bath City 0–3 Alfreton |website=BBC Sport |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=5 May 2016}} Clay finished the loan with one goal in four appearances. He made one more appearance for Chesterfield before the end of 2011–12, which he finished with eight appearances as the club was relegated to League Two in 22nd place.{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=941 |title=League One: 2011/12: Latest table |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=17 July 2017}}

He signed a new one-year contract with Chesterfield in May 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18115857 |title=Chesterfield trio agree new contracts |website=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2012 |access-date=5 May 2016}} His only goal of 2012–13 came in a 6–1 win over League One team Hartlepool United in the FA Cup first round on 3 November 2012. Clay had a double hernia operation in March 2013 and after returning made one more appearance before the end of the season, as an 89th-minute substitute in a 2–0 victory away to Barnet on 6 April.{{cite news |url=http://www.chesterfieldpost.co.uk/sport/chest_fc/09_2010/sports_cfc_00000677.html |title=The Paul Cook interview – Spireites hope to keep abreast of the Robins |newspaper=Chesterfield Post |date=5 March 2013 |access-date=17 May 2013}} He was released by Chesterfield on 29 April 2013{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22340922 |title=Chesterfield release seven players as Tommy Wright leaves |website=BBC Sport |date=29 April 2013 |access-date=5 May 2016}} after making 23 appearances and scoring one goal in 2012–13.

=York City=

File:Craig Clay 07-09-2013 2.jpg in 2013]]

Clay signed for League Two club York City on 17 May 2013 on a two-year contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22567641 |title=York City: Ryan Jarvis and Craig Clay join on free transfers |website=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2013 |access-date=5 May 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/10427231.Star_turn_Nigel_Worthington_key_in_York_City_signings/ |title=Star turn Nigel Worthington tempts York City's new signings Ryan Jarvis and Craig Clay |first=Tony |last=Kelly |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=18 May 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013}} He made his debut in a 1–0 home win over Northampton Town on 3 August 2013, in the first match of 2013–14. Having made 10 appearances for York, Clay left the club by mutual consent on 13 January 2014, along with Jamal Fyfield.{{cite web |url=http://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/article/clay-fyfield-depart-1291156.aspx |title=Clay and Fyfield depart |publisher=York City F.C. |date=13 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702140025/http://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/article/clay-fyfield-depart-1291156.aspx |archive-date=2 July 2016}}

=FC Halifax Town and Worksop Town=

He signed for Conference Premier club FC Halifax Town on 16 January 2014 on a one-month contract{{cite web |url=http://www.halifaxafc.co.uk/news/article/jackson-and-clay-signing-1186760.aspx |title=Duo sign for Shaymen |publisher=FC Halifax Town |date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604135406/http://www.halifaxafc.co.uk/news/article/jackson-and-clay-signing-1186760.aspx |archive-date=4 June 2016}}{{cite news |url=https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/football/fc-halifax-town/midfielder-clay-released-by-town-1-6459101 |title=Midfielder Clay released by Town |newspaper=Halifax Courier |date=24 February 2014 |access-date=29 March 2018}} and made his debut two days later in a 1–1 home draw with Cambridge United. After making four appearances for the club he was released on 24 February 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.halifaxafc.co.uk/news/article/clay-leaves-town-1282977.aspx |title=Craig Clay leaves FC Halifax Town |publisher=FC Halifax Town |date=24 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220075417/http://www.halifaxafc.co.uk/news/article/clay-leaves-town-1282977.aspx |archive-date=20 December 2016}} Nearly a month later, Clay signed for Northern Premier League Premier Division club Worksop Town on 21 March 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/2014/03/21/new-signing-craig-clay/ |title=New signing – Craig Clay |publisher=Worksop Town F.C. |date=21 March 2014 |access-date=24 March 2014}} He made his debut the following day as an 84th-minute substitute for Shane Clarke in a 2–0 away win over Stafford Rangers.{{cite web |url=http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/match/1655/ |title=Stafford Rangers vs Worksop Town FC |publisher=Worksop Town F.C. |date=22 March 2014 |access-date=24 March 2014}}

=Grimsby Town=

Clay signed for Conference Premier club Grimsby Town on 28 July 2014 on a one-year contract, having spent the pre-season on trial.{{cite news |url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/SIGNING-ALERT-Grimsby-Town-snap-Jon-Paul-Pittman/story-21962415-detail/story.html |title=Grimsby Town snap up Jon-Paul Pittman and Craig Clay |newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph |date=21 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924041347/http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/SIGNING-ALERT-Grimsby-Town-snap-Jon-Paul-Pittman/story-21962415-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 September 2015}} On 15 May 2016, he started for Grimsby as they beat Forest Green Rovers 3–1 at Wembley Stadium in the 2016 National League play-off final.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36244418 |title=Forest Green Rovers 1–3 Grimsby Town |first=Tom |last=Garry |website=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2016 |access-date=15 May 2016}} This meant Grimsby were promoted to League Two, after a six-year absence from the Football League. Clay was released when his contract expired at the end of the 2015–16 season.{{cite news |url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/grimsby-town-retained-list-ins-outs-blundell-park/story-29314310-detail/story.html |title=Grimsby Town retained list: Who are the ins and outs at Blundell Park? |first=Liam |last=Wood |newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph |date=24 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525134029/http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/grimsby-town-retained-list-ins-outs-blundell-park/story-29314310-detail/story.html |archive-date=25 May 2016}}

=Motherwell=

Upon his release from Grimsby, Clay joined South African Premier Division club Bidvest Wits on trial.{{cite news |url=https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/south-africa/craig-clay-has-begun-training-with-bidvest-wits/233532 |title=English midfielder arrives for Wits training |first=Joe |last=Crann |website=Soccer Laduma |date=11 July 2016 |access-date=29 March 2018}} Clay then joined Scottish Premiership club Motherwell on trial,{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14680375.Craig_Clay_gamble_pays_off_to_land_Motherwell_contract/ |title=Craig Clay gamble pays off to land Motherwell contract |first=Scott |last=Mullen |newspaper=The Herald |location=Glasgow |date=12 August 2016 |access-date=7 December 2016}} playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–0 victory over East Stirlingshire in the Scottish League Cup on 26 July 2016.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36831778 |title=Motherwell 3–0 East Stirlingshire |first=Chick |last=Young |website=BBC Sport |date=26 July 2016 |access-date=7 December 2016}} Clay made his league debut on 6 August 2016 in a 2–1 victory away to Kilmarnock, before signing a two-year contract with the club on 10 August.{{cite web |url=http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2016/08/10/craig-clay-joins-the-steelmen/ |title=Craig Clay joins the Steelmen |publisher=Motherwell F.C. |date=10 August 2016 |access-date=12 August 2016}} He scored his first goal for the club on 28 December 2016, in a 2–1 win away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.{{cite web |url=http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2016/12/29/inverness-ct-1-2-motherwell-4/ |title=Inverness CT 1–2 Motherwell |publisher=Motherwell F.C. |date=29 December 2016 |access-date=31 December 2016}}

=Leyton Orient=

Clay signed for newly relegated National League club Leyton Orient on 17 July 2017 on a two-year contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40635923 |title=Craig Clay: Leyton Orient sign midfielder from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell |website=BBC Sport |date=17 July 2017 |access-date=17 July 2017}} He went on to win both the National League and EFL League Two titles with the club over the 6 years he was with them. His contract was not renewed at the end of the 2022/23 season.

=Sutton United=

On 30 June 2023, Clay signed for EFL League Two side Sutton United.{{Cite web |title=Matt makes double swoop |url=https://www.suttonunited.net/news/2023/june/matt-makes-double-swoop/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.suttonunited.net |language=en-gb}}

=Dunfermline Athletic=

Clay signed for Dunfermline Athletic of the Scottish second tier in September 2024.{{cite web | url=https://dafc.co.uk/craig-clay-is-a-par/ | title=Craig Clay is a Par | Dunfermline Athletic Football Club - | date=20 September 2024 }}

International career

Clay made his debut for the England C national team as a substitute in their 2–0 away win over Ukraine under-20s in the International Challenge Trophy on 22 March 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/live-grimsby-town-s-craig-clay-plays-england-c/story-28969256-detail/story.html |title=Recap: Grimsby Town's Craig Clay plays the final minutes of England C victory |newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph |date=23 March 2016 |access-date=7 December 2016}}{{dead link|date=March 2018}}{{cbignore}}

Career statistics

rowspan=2\|Club !rowspan=2\|Season !colspan=3\|League !colspan=2\|National Cup{{efn\|Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup}} !colspan=2\|League Cup{{efn\|Includes League Cup, Scottish League Cup}} !colspan=2\|Other !colspan=2\|Total
class=wikitable style=text-align:center \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan=5\|Chesterfield \|2009–10{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2009\|accessdate=5 May 2016}} \|League Two \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2010–11{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2010\|accessdate=17 May 2013}} \|League Two \|3	1	0	0	0	0	1{{efn\|name=FLT\|Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy}}	0	4	1
2011–12{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2011\|accessdate=17 May 2013}} \|League One \|5	0	1	0	1	0	1{{efn\|name=FLT}}	0	8	0
2012–13{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2012\|accessdate=17 May 2013}} \|League Two \|19	0	2	1	0	0	2{{efn\|name=FLT}}	0	23	1
colspan=2\|Total !27\|\|1\|\|3\|\|1\|\|1\|\|0\|\|4\|\|0\|\|35\|\|2
Barrow (loan) \|2010–11{{cite book \|editor1-first=Mike \|editor1-last=Williams \|editor2-first=Tony \|editor2-last=Williams \|title=Non-League Club Directory 2012 \|year=2011 \|publisher=Tony Williams Publications \|isbn=978-1-869833-70-1 \|pages=34–35}} \|Conference Premier \|1	0	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	1	0
Alfreton Town (loan) \|2011–12 \|Conference Premier \|4	1	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	0	0	4	1
York City \|2013–14{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2013\|accessdate=7 December 2016}} \|League Two \|8	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	10	0
FC Halifax Town \|2013–14 \|Conference Premier \|4	0	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	4	0
Worksop Town \|2013–14{{cite web \|url=http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/match-reports-2/ \|publisher=Worksop Town F.C. \|title=Match reports \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622093405/http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/match-reports-2/ \|archive-date=22 June 2014}} \|NPL Premier Division \|9	0	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	9	0
rowspan=3\|Grimsby Town \|2014–15 \|Conference Premier \|39	2	2	0	colspan=2\|—	6{{efn\|Three appearances in FA Trophy, three in Conference Premier play-offs}}	0	47	2
2015–16 \|National League \|35	3	4	0	colspan=2\|—	5{{efn\|Three appearances in FA Trophy, two in National League play-offs}}	0	44	3
colspan=2\|Total !74\|\|5\|\|6\|\|0\|\|colspan=2\|—\|\|11\|\|0\|\|91\|\|5
rowspan=3\|Motherwell \|2016–17{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2016\|accessdate=17 July 2017}} \|Scottish Premiership \|35	1	1	0	3	0	colspan=2\|—	39	1
2017–18{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2017\|accessdate=17 July 2017}} \|Scottish Premiership \|colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	0	0	colspan=2\|—	0	0
colspan=2\|Total !35\|\|1\|\|1\|\|0\|\|3\|\|0\|\|0\|\|0\|\|39\|\|1
rowspan=5\|Leyton Orient \|2017–18 \|National League \|43	4	2	0	colspan=2\|—	4{{efn\|name=FAT\|Appearances in FA Trophy}}	0	49	4
2018–19{{cite web \|url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/craig-clay/133530/ \|title=C. Clay: Summary \|website=Soccerway \|publisher=Perform Group \|access-date=11 July 2019}} \|National League \|43	0	0	0	colspan=2\|—	5{{efn\|name=FAT}}	1	48	1
2019–20{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2019\|accessdate=10 April 2020}} \|League Two \|35	0	1	0	1	0	2{{efn\|name=FLT}}	0	39	0
2020–21{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2020\|accessdate=6 March 2021}} \|League Two \|31	1	1	0	1	0	3{{efn\|name=FLT}}	0	36	1
colspan=2\|Total !152\|\|5\|\|4\|\|0\|\|2\|\|0\|\|14\|\|1\|\|172\|\|6
colspan=3\|Career total !314\|\|13\|\|15\|\|1\|\|7\|\|0\|\|29\|\|1\|\|365\|\|15

Honours

Grimsby Town

National League play-offs: 2016
FA Trophy runner-up: 2015–16{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/22/fc-halifax-town-grimsby-town-fa-trophy-final-match-report |title=Scott McManus strikes for Halifax to beat Grimsby in FA Trophy final |author=Alan Smith |work=The Guardian |date=22 May 2016 |access-date=13 February 2023}}

Leyton Orient

EFL League Two: 2022–23{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=Leyton Orient 2-0 Crewe: Richie Wellens' side seal League Two title |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/leyton-orient-vs-crewe-alexandra/report/468899 |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=Sky Sports}}
National League: 2018–19{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=1647 |title=National League: 2018/19: Latest table |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=26 July 2019}}
{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/england/leyton-orient-fc/744/squad/ |title=Leyton Orient FC: Squad |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=6 May 2019}}
FA Trophy runner-up: 2018–19{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48314552 |title=AFC Fylde 1–0 Leyton Orient |first=Rob |last=Stevens |website=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2019 |access-date=26 May 2019}}

Individual

Chesterfield Young Player of the Year: 2008–09
Grimsby Town Young Player of the Year: 2014–15{{cite web |url=https://thefishy.co.uk/story.php?id=8150226 |title=Supporters Young Players of the Year |first=Rob |last=Sedgwick |website=The Fishy |date=13 June 2017 |access-date=29 March 2018}}

References

External links

[https://www.leytonorient.com/teams/first-team/midfielder/craig-clay/ Profile] at the Leyton Orient F.C. website
{{Soccerbase}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Nottingham

Category:English men's footballers

Category:England men's semi-pro international footballers

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Chesterfield F.C. players

Category:Barrow A.F.C. players

Category:Alfreton Town F.C. players

Category:York City F.C. players

Category:FC Halifax Town players

Category:Worksop Town F.C. players

Category:Grimsby Town F.C. players

Category:Motherwell F.C. players

Category:Leyton Orient F.C. players

Category:Sutton United F.C. players

Category:Dunfermline Athletic F.C. players

Category:English Football League players

Category:National League (English football) players

Category:Northern Premier League players

Category:Scottish Professional Football League players

Category:21st-century English sportsmen

rowspan=2\|Club !rowspan=2\|Season !colspan=3\|League !colspan=2\|National Cup{{efn\|Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup}} !colspan=2\|League Cup{{efn\|Includes League Cup, Scottish League Cup}} !colspan=2\|Other !colspan=2\|Total
class=wikitable style=text-align:center \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan=5\|Chesterfield \|2009–10{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2009\|accessdate=5 May 2016}} \|League Two \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2010–11{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2010\|accessdate=17 May 2013}} \|League Two \|3	1	0	0	0	0	1{{efn\|name=FLT\|Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy}}	0	4	1
2011–12{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2011\|accessdate=17 May 2013}} \|League One \|5	0	1	0	1	0	1{{efn\|name=FLT}}	0	8	0
2012–13{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2012\|accessdate=17 May 2013}} \|League Two \|19	0	2	1	0	0	2{{efn\|name=FLT}}	0	23	1
colspan=2\|Total !27\|\|1\|\|3\|\|1\|\|1\|\|0\|\|4\|\|0\|\|35\|\|2
Barrow (loan) \|2010–11{{cite book \|editor1-first=Mike \|editor1-last=Williams \|editor2-first=Tony \|editor2-last=Williams \|title=Non-League Club Directory 2012 \|year=2011 \|publisher=Tony Williams Publications \|isbn=978-1-869833-70-1 \|pages=34–35}} \|Conference Premier \|1	0	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	1	0
Alfreton Town (loan) \|2011–12 \|Conference Premier \|4	1	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	0	0	4	1
York City \|2013–14{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2013\|accessdate=7 December 2016}} \|League Two \|8	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	10	0
FC Halifax Town \|2013–14 \|Conference Premier \|4	0	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	4	0
Worksop Town \|2013–14{{cite web \|url=http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/match-reports-2/ \|publisher=Worksop Town F.C. \|title=Match reports \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622093405/http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/match-reports-2/ \|archive-date=22 June 2014}} \|NPL Premier Division \|9	0	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	9	0
rowspan=3\|Grimsby Town \|2014–15 \|Conference Premier \|39	2	2	0	colspan=2\|—	6{{efn\|Three appearances in FA Trophy, three in Conference Premier play-offs}}	0	47	2
2015–16 \|National League \|35	3	4	0	colspan=2\|—	5{{efn\|Three appearances in FA Trophy, two in National League play-offs}}	0	44	3
colspan=2\|Total !74\|\|5\|\|6\|\|0\|\|colspan=2\|—\|\|11\|\|0\|\|91\|\|5
rowspan=3\|Motherwell \|2016–17{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2016\|accessdate=17 July 2017}} \|Scottish Premiership \|35	1	1	0	3	0	colspan=2\|—	39	1
2017–18{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2017\|accessdate=17 July 2017}} \|Scottish Premiership \|colspan=2\|—	colspan=2\|—	0	0	colspan=2\|—	0	0
colspan=2\|Total !35\|\|1\|\|1\|\|0\|\|3\|\|0\|\|0\|\|0\|\|39\|\|1
rowspan=5\|Leyton Orient \|2017–18 \|National League \|43	4	2	0	colspan=2\|—	4{{efn\|name=FAT\|Appearances in FA Trophy}}	0	49	4
2018–19{{cite web \|url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/craig-clay/133530/ \|title=C. Clay: Summary \|website=Soccerway \|publisher=Perform Group \|access-date=11 July 2019}} \|National League \|43	0	0	0	colspan=2\|—	5{{efn\|name=FAT}}	1	48	1
2019–20{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2019\|accessdate=10 April 2020}} \|League Two \|35	0	1	0	1	0	2{{efn\|name=FLT}}	0	39	0
2020–21{{soccerbase season\|53193\|2020\|accessdate=6 March 2021}} \|League Two \|31	1	1	0	1	0	3{{efn\|name=FLT}}	0	36	1
colspan=2\|Total !152\|\|5\|\|4\|\|0\|\|2\|\|0\|\|14\|\|1\|\|172\|\|6
colspan=3\|Career total !314\|\|13\|\|15\|\|1\|\|7\|\|0\|\|29\|\|1\|\|365\|\|15