# Craig Clay

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{{short description|English footballer (born 1992)}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Craig Clay
| image = Craig Clay 07-09-2013 1.jpg
| caption = Clay playing for [York City](/source/York_City_F.C.) in 2013
| fullname = Craig William Clay<ref>{{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}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|5|5|df=y}}<ref>{{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}}</ref>
| birth_place = [Nottingham](/source/Nottingham), England
| height = {{convert|1.80|m|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.leytonorient.com/players/craig-clay/ |title=Craig Clay |publisher=Leyton Orient F.C. |access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref>
| position = [Central midfielder](/source/Central_midfielder)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe225900/craig-clay/ |title=Craig Clay: Profile |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref>
| currentclub = [Kelty Hearts](/source/Kelty_Hearts_F.C.)
| clubnumber = 15
| youthyears1 = 2008–2010
| youthclubs1 = [Chesterfield](/source/Chesterfield_F.C.)
| years1 = 2010–2013
| clubs1 = [Chesterfield](/source/Chesterfield_F.C.)
| caps1 = 27
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2010
| clubs2 = → [Barrow](/source/Barrow_A.F.C.) (loan)
| caps2 = 1
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2012
| clubs3 = → [Alfreton Town](/source/Alfreton_Town_F.C.) (loan)
| caps3 = 4
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2013–2014
| clubs4 = [York City](/source/York_City_F.C.)
| caps4 = 8
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2014
| clubs5 = [FC Halifax Town](/source/FC_Halifax_Town)
| caps5 = 4
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2014
| clubs6 = [Worksop Town](/source/Worksop_Town_F.C.)
| caps6 = 9
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2014–2016
| clubs7 = [Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.)
| caps7 = 74
| goals7 = 5
| years8 = 2016–2017
| clubs8 = [Motherwell](/source/Motherwell_F.C.)
| caps8 = 35
| goals8 = 1
| years9 = 2017–2023
| clubs9 = [Leyton Orient](/source/Leyton_Orient_F.C.)
| caps9 = 210
| goals9 = 6
| years10 = 2023–2024
| clubs10 = [Sutton United](/source/Sutton_United_F.C.)
| caps10 = 27
| goals10 = 1
| years11 = 2024–2025
| clubs11 = [Dunfermline Athletic](/source/Dunfermline_Athletic_F.C.)
| caps11 = 18
| goals11 = 0
| years12 = 2025–
| clubs12 = [Kelty Hearts](/source/Kelty_Hearts_F.C.)
| caps12 = 30
| goals12 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2016
| nationalteam1 = [England C](/source/England_national_football_C_team)
| nationalcaps1 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| club-update = 4 May 2026
| nationalteam-update = 
}}
'''Craig William Clay''' (born 5 May 1992) is an English professional [footballer](/source/Association_football) who plays as a [central midfielder](/source/central_midfielder) for [Scottish League One](/source/Scottish_League_One) side [Kelty Hearts](/source/Kelty_Hearts_F.C.) as a [centre-back](/source/centre-back) or [midfielder](/source/midfielder).

He has previously had spells as a professional for [Chesterfield](/source/Chesterfield_F.C.), [York City](/source/York_City_F.C.), [Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.) and [Motherwell](/source/Motherwell_F.C.) before a four-year spell with [Leyton Orient](/source/Leyton_Orient_F.C.) where he won several promotions and was voted the player of the year in 2019. He has also played semi-professionally for [Barrow](/source/Barrow_A.F.C.), [Alfreton Town](/source/Alfreton_Town_F.C.), [FC Halifax Town](/source/FC_Halifax_Town) and [Worksop Town](/source/Worksop_Town_F.C.). In 2016 he was capped once by [England C](/source/England_national_football_C_team).

==Club career==
===Chesterfield===
Clay was born in [Nottingham](/source/Nottingham), Nottinghamshire.<ref>{{Hugman|22599|accessdate=10 April 2020}}</ref> He started his career with [Chesterfield](/source/Chesterfield_F.C.)'s youth system in 2008 and was part of the team that won the Youth League.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> He was named Chesterfield's Young Player of the Year for the [2008–09 season](/source/2008%E2%80%9309_Chesterfield_F.C._season).<ref name=ChesterfieldYPOTY>{{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}}</ref> His first involvement with the first team came as an unused [substitute](/source/Substitute_(association_football)) in a [League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two) match against [Torquay United](/source/Torquay_United_F.C.) on 16 January 2010.<ref name=Results0910>{{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}}</ref> He made the bench on a number occasions through the rest of [2009–10](/source/2009%E2%80%9310_Chesterfield_F.C._season), but did not make an appearance.<ref name=Results0910/>

He signed a two-year professional contract with Chesterfield in June 2010.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> He made his debut for the club on 18 September 2010, in a 3–0 home win over [Cheltenham Town](/source/Cheltenham_Town_F.C.), [replacing](/source/substitute_(association_football)) [Mark Allott](/source/Mark_Allott) in the 85th minute.<ref name=sb1011/> On 2 October 2010, he scored his first professional goal with a 25-yard shot during [stoppage time](/source/Association_football) to earn a 5–5 draw at home to [Crewe Alexandra](/source/Crewe_Alexandra_F.C.).<ref name=sb1011/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/9036831.stm |title=Chesterfield 5–5 Crewe |website=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=7 December 2016}}</ref> On 28 October 2010, Clay joined [Conference Premier](/source/Conference_Premier) club [Barrow](/source/Barrow_A.F.C.) on a one-month [loan](/source/Loan_(sports)) with Chesterfield teammate [Tendayi Darikwa](/source/Tendayi_Darikwa).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/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}}</ref> His only appearance for Barrow came two days later, in a 5–0 defeat away to [Rushden & Diamonds](/source/Rushden_%26_Diamonds_F.C.).<ref name=NLCD2012/> He made four appearances and scored one goal for Chesterfield in [2010–11](/source/2010%E2%80%9311_Chesterfield_F.C._season),<ref name=sb1011/> in which the club was [promoted](/source/Promotion_and_relegation) to [League One](/source/EFL_League_One) as League Two champions.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Clay was loaned out by Chesterfield for a second time on 20 January 2012, joining Conference Premier club [Alfreton Town](/source/Alfreton_Town_F.C.) on a one-month loan.<ref>{{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 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025742/http://www.alfretontownfc.com/news/law-adds-craig-clay-on-loan-1449.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{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 |archive-date=29 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329222744/https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc/two-more-go-out-on-loan-1-4176107 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Four days later, he scored Alfreton's third goal in a 3–0 win away to [Bath City](/source/Bath_City_F.C.) on his debut with a shot from the edge of the [penalty area](/source/penalty_area) in the 90th minute.<ref name=sb1112/><ref>{{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}}</ref> Clay finished the loan with one goal in four appearances.<ref name=Soccerway/> He made one more appearance for Chesterfield before the end of [2011–12](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_Chesterfield_F.C._season), which he finished with eight appearances<ref name=sb1112/> as the club was relegated to League Two in 22nd place.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

He signed a new one-year contract with Chesterfield in May 2012.<ref>{{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}}</ref> His only goal of [2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Chesterfield_F.C._season) came in a 6–1 win over League One team [Hartlepool United](/source/Hartlepool_United_F.C.) in the [FA Cup](/source/FA_Cup) first round on 3 November 2012.<ref name=sb1213/> 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](/source/Barnet_F.C.) on 6 April.<ref name=sb1213/><ref>{{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}}</ref> He was released by Chesterfield on 29 April 2013<ref>{{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}}</ref> after making 23 appearances and scoring one goal in 2012–13.<ref name=sb1213/>

===York City===
[[File:Craig Clay 07-09-2013 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Clay playing for [York City](/source/York_City_F.C.) in 2013]]

Clay signed for League Two club [York City](/source/York_City_F.C.) on 17 May 2013 on a two-year contract.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> He made his debut in a 1–0 home win over [Northampton Town](/source/Northampton_Town_F.C.) on 3 August 2013, in the first match of [2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_York_City_F.C._season).<ref name=sb1314/> Having made 10 appearances for York,<ref name=sb1314/> Clay left the club by mutual consent on 13 January 2014, along with [Jamal Fyfield](/source/Jamal_Fyfield).<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===FC Halifax Town and Worksop Town===
He signed for Conference Premier club [FC Halifax Town](/source/FC_Halifax_Town) on 16 January 2014 on a one-month contract<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> and made his debut two days later in a 1–1 home draw with [Cambridge United](/source/Cambridge_United_F.C.).<ref name=Soccerway/> After making four appearances for the club he was released on 24 February 2014.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Nearly a month later, Clay signed for [Northern Premier League](/source/Northern_Premier_League) Premier Division club [Worksop Town](/source/Worksop_Town_F.C.) on 21 March 2014.<ref>{{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 |archive-date=24 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324154901/http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/2014/03/21/new-signing-craig-clay/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He made his debut the following day as an 84th-minute substitute for [Shane Clarke](/source/Shane_Clarke) in a 2–0 away win over [Stafford Rangers](/source/Stafford_Rangers_F.C.).<ref>{{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 |archive-date=24 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324154634/http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/match/1655/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Grimsby Town===
Clay signed for Conference Premier club [Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.) on 28 July 2014 on a one-year contract, having spent the pre-season on trial.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 15 May 2016, he started for Grimsby as they beat [Forest Green Rovers](/source/Forest_Green_Rovers_F.C.) 3–1 at [Wembley Stadium](/source/Wembley_Stadium) in the [2016 National League play-off final](/source/2016_National_League_play-off_final).<ref name=2016pofinal>{{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}}</ref> This meant Grimsby were promoted to League Two, after a six-year absence from [the Football League](/source/the_Football_League).<ref name=2016pofinal/> Clay was released when his contract expired at the end of the 2015–16 season.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Motherwell===
Upon his release from Grimsby, Clay joined [South African Premier Division](/source/South_African_Premier_Division) club [Bidvest Wits](/source/Bidvest_Wits_F.C.) on trial.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Clay then joined [Scottish Premiership](/source/Scottish_Premiership) club [Motherwell](/source/Motherwell_F.C.) on trial,<ref>{{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}}</ref> playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–0 victory over [East Stirlingshire](/source/East_Stirlingshire_F.C.) in the [Scottish League Cup](/source/Scottish_League_Cup) on 26 July 2016.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Clay made his league debut on 6 August 2016 in a 2–1 victory away to [Kilmarnock](/source/Kilmarnock_F.C.),<ref name=sb1617/> before signing a two-year contract with the club on 10 August.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club on 28 December 2016, in a 2–1 win away to [Inverness Caledonian Thistle](/source/Inverness_Caledonian_Thistle_F.C.).<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Leyton Orient===
Clay signed for newly relegated [National League](/source/National_League_(division)) club [Leyton Orient](/source/Leyton_Orient_F.C.) on 17 July 2017 on a two-year contract.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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](/source/EFL_League_Two) side [Sutton United](/source/Sutton_United_F.C.).<ref>{{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 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>

===Dunfermline Athletic===
Clay signed for [Dunfermline Athletic](/source/Dunfermline_Athletic) of the Scottish second tier in September 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dafc.co.uk/craig-clay-is-a-par/ | title=Craig Clay is a Par &#124; Dunfermline Athletic Football Club - | date=20 September 2024 }}</ref>

=== Kelty Hearts ===
Clay agreed a deal to join [Kelty Hearts](/source/Kelty_Hearts_F.C.) in June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hart |first=Ross |date=2025-06-13 |title=Clay makes Kelty move after Pars departure |url=https://www.centralfifetimes.com/sport/25237546.former-dunfermline-midfielder-craig-clay-joins-kelty-hearts/ |access-date=2026-03-29 |website=Central Fife Times |language=en}}</ref>

==International career==
Clay made his debut for the [England C national team](/source/England_national_football_C_team) as a substitute in their 2–0 away win over Ukraine under-20s in the [International Challenge Trophy](/source/International_Challenge_Trophy) on 22 March 2016.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
{{updated|match played 2 April 2021}}

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season
!colspan=3|League
!colspan=2|National Cup{{efn|Includes [FA Cup](/source/FA_Cup), [Scottish Cup](/source/Scottish_Cup)}}
!colspan=2|League Cup{{efn|Includes [League Cup](/source/EFL_Cup), [Scottish League Cup](/source/Scottish_League_Cup)}}
!colspan=2|Other
!colspan=2|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan=5|[Chesterfield](/source/Chesterfield_F.C.)
|[2009–10](/source/2009%E2%80%9310_Chesterfield_F.C._season)<ref name=sb0910>{{soccerbase season|53193|2009|accessdate=5 May 2016}}</ref>
|[League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two)
|0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0
|-
|[2010–11](/source/2010%E2%80%9311_Chesterfield_F.C._season)<ref name=sb1011>{{soccerbase season|53193|2010|accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref>
|League Two
|3||1||0||0||0||0||1{{efn|name=FLT|Appearance(s) in [Football League Trophy](/source/Football_League_Trophy)}}||0||4||1
|-
|[2011–12](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_Chesterfield_F.C._season)<ref name=sb1112>{{soccerbase season|53193|2011|accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref>
|[League One](/source/EFL_League_One)
|5||0||1||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||8||0
|-
|[2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Chesterfield_F.C._season)<ref name=sb1213>{{soccerbase season|53193|2012|accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref>
|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](/source/Barrow_A.F.C.) (loan)
|[2010–11](/source/2010%E2%80%9311_Football_Conference)<ref name=NLCD2012>{{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}}</ref>
|[Conference Premier](/source/Conference_Premier)
|1||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1||0
|-
|[Alfreton Town](/source/Alfreton_Town_F.C.) (loan)
|[2011–12](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_Football_Conference)<ref name=Soccerway/>
|Conference Premier
|4||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||0||0||4||1
|-
|[York City](/source/York_City_F.C.)
|[2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_York_City_F.C._season)<ref name=sb1314>{{soccerbase season|53193|2013|accessdate=7 December 2016}}</ref>
|League Two
|8||0||1||0||1||0||0||0||10||0
|-
|[FC Halifax Town](/source/FC_Halifax_Town)
|2013–14<ref name=Soccerway/>
|Conference Premier
|4||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||4||0
|-
|[Worksop Town](/source/Worksop_Town_F.C.)
|[2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Northern_Premier_League)<ref>{{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}}</ref>
|[NPL](/source/Northern_Premier_League) Premier Division
|9||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||9||0
|-
|rowspan=3|[Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.)
|2014–15<ref name=Soccerway/>
|Conference Premier
|39||2||2||0||colspan=2|—||6{{efn|Three appearances in [FA Trophy](/source/FA_Trophy), three in [Conference Premier play-offs](/source/Conference_Premier_play-offs)}}||0||47||2
|-
|2015–16<ref name=Soccerway/>
|[National League](/source/National_League_(division))
|35||3||4||0||colspan=2|—||5{{efn|Three appearances in FA Trophy, two in [National League play-offs](/source/National_League_play-offs)}}||0||44||3
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!74||5||6||0||colspan=2|—||11||0||91||5
|-
|rowspan=3|[Motherwell](/source/Motherwell_F.C.)
|[2016–17](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_Motherwell_F.C._season)<ref name=sb1617>{{soccerbase season|53193|2016|accessdate=17 July 2017}}</ref>
|[Scottish Premiership](/source/Scottish_Premiership)
|35||1||1||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||39||1
|-
|[2017–18](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_Motherwell_F.C._season)<ref name=sb1718>{{soccerbase season|53193|2017|accessdate=17 July 2017}}</ref>
|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](/source/Leyton_Orient_F.C.)
|[2017–18](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_National_League)<ref name=Soccerway/>
|National League
|43||4||2||0||colspan=2|—||4{{efn|name=FAT|Appearances in FA Trophy}}||0||49||4
|-
|[2018–19](/source/2018%E2%80%9319_National_League)<ref name=Soccerway>{{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}}</ref>
|National League
|43||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||5{{efn|name=FAT}}||1||48||1
|-
|[2019–20](/source/2019%E2%80%9320_Leyton_Orient_F.C._season)<ref name=sb1920>{{soccerbase season|53193|2019|accessdate=10 April 2020}}</ref>
|League Two
|35||0||1||0||1||0||2{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||39||0
|-
|[2020–21](/source/2020-21_Leyton_Orient_F.C._season)<ref name=sb2021>{{soccerbase season|53193|2020|accessdate=6 March 2021}}</ref>
|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
|}

{{notelist}}

==Honours==
'''Grimsby Town'''
*[National League](/source/National_League_(division)) play-offs: [2016](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_National_League)<ref name=2016pofinal/>
*[FA Trophy](/source/FA_Trophy) runner-up: [2015–16](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_FA_Trophy)<ref>{{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}}</ref>

'''Leyton Orient'''

* [EFL League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two): [2022–23](/source/2022%E2%80%9323_EFL_League_Two)<ref>{{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}}</ref>
*National League: [2018–19](/source/2018%E2%80%9319_National_League)<ref>{{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}}<br />{{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}}</ref>
*[FA Trophy](/source/FA_Trophy) runner-up: [2018–19](/source/2018%E2%80%9319_FA_Trophy)<ref>{{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}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*[Chesterfield](/source/Chesterfield_F.C.) Young Player of the Year: [2008–09](/source/2008%E2%80%9309_Chesterfield_F.C._season)<ref name=ChesterfieldYPOTY/>
*[Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.) Young Player of the Year: 2014–15<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{Kelty Hearts F.C. squad}}
{{Leyton Orient F.C. Player of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clay, Craig}}
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:Kelty Hearts 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

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Craig Clay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Clay) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Clay?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.
