Clayton Graham Blackmore (born 23 September 1964 in Neath, Glamorgan) is a former Welsh international footballer. He was a combative player known for his attacking free kicks who excelled at full back and in central defence but could play equally well in midfield or as an emergency forward.

Career

Blackmore once had trials with Neath Rugby Club but, instead joined Manchester United as an apprentice. Having come through the United youth system he won the first of his 39 caps for Wales after only two first team appearances at Old Trafford. He has the unique distinction of having worn every number for United from 2 to 11 (under the old system of the first XI wearing shirts numbered 1-11, until players were assigned with a squad number to keep all season).

During his time at United, he helped the club win the FA Cup in 1990 as well as the 1992 League Cup and the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup and made 14 League appearances, enough to win a medal, in United’s 1992-93 F.A. Premier League title success.

With the advent of squad numbers in 1993-94, Blackmore was given the number 15, but having failed to make a single first team appearance that season (due to a succession of injuries), even as an unused substitute, Blackmore left Manchester United for Middlesbrough in 1994 and appeared in the team’s FA Cup Final defeat by Chelsea in 1997. After brief spells with Bristol City (on loan), Barnsley and Notts Co. and one game for Leigh RMI in the Peter Swales Challenge Trophy, Blackmore joined Bangor City in the League of Wales in February 2001. Contrary to popular belief, this was four months before his ex-Manchester United team-mate, Peter Davenport, took over as manager at Farrar Road.

Having made well over 150 appearances for Bangor, including appearances in both the UEFA Cup and the Intertoto Cup, Blackmore was appointed manager in January 2006 following the departure of Davenport, but resigned on 4 November 2006 following a 2-0 Welsh Cup 3rd Round defeat at Y Traeth against Porthmadog.

Blackmore originally agreed to stay at Farrar Road in a playing capacity, but, following the appointment of former Peterborough manager, Steve Bleasdale, as the Citizens’ manager, the former Wales and Manchester United star was released and promptly signed for Porthmadog. In January 2008, a 43-year-old Blackmore signed for hometown club Neath Athletic.