Ronnie Clayton

Who was Ronnie Clayton?

Ronald "Ronnie" Clayton was an English footballer who made nearly 600 appearances in the Football League playing for Blackburn Rovers. He was capped 35 times for England between 1955 and 1960, although he failed to score.

Clayton, a right half, began his career with Blackburn Rovers. He made his first-team debut as a 16-year-old in the 1950–51 season, and between then and 1969 made 581 appearances for his only Football League club. He then became player-manager of Morecambe, and also appeared for Great Harwood Town before retiring.

At international level, Clayton was capped six times for England under-23, once for England B, and 35 times at full international level, including five as captain. He made his international debut against Northern Ireland in November 1955, and won his last cap against Yugoslavia in May 1960. He was part of England's team at the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Clayton died in October 2010.

On 13 August 2011, as a sign of respect to Clayton, it was announced at half-time during the first game of the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season, that The Blackburn End was to be renamed The Ronnie Clayton End at Ewood Park.