Clay hopes to stick in Football League third time round

Chesterfield’s 2009 Young Player of the Year suffered the heartache of being released by the Spireites four years later.

And a move to League Two York City didn’t work out.

But after dropping down to the Northern Premier League with part-time Worksop and taking up a ‘real job’ with his brother, Clay eventually rediscovered his love of the game.

He doesn’t look back in anger at his time with Chesterfield.

“That’s where I started, Chesterfield will always have a special place in my heart,” he said.

“I loved every minute of it.

“Coming through the youth team I then got two years, and then a third year.

“I maybe hoped I would have done a bit more there but Paul Cook didn’t really fancy me and that’s fair enough – it’s one of those things in football.

“You can’t really dwell on things like that, everything happens for a reason.”

Clay ended up at York City but half a season and 10 games later he was on the move again, parting ways with the Minstermen by mutual consent.

A short spell with Conference Premier Halifax was followed by another release and a drop to the Northern Premier League with Worksop.

Clay was at a crossroads with his career in the game.

“I left York in January and from then to May I just fell out of love with football,” he said.

“I had almost given up on it, working part-time as an electrician with my brother for a few months.

“I think I realised I couldn’t handle a proper job and I wanted to get back into football.

“But I still had confidence in my ability and without sounding big time, I know that if I work hard I will get higher up the leagues.”

Grimsby Town picked him up in July 2014 and he came agonisingly close to a return to the Football League, losing on penalties in the play-off final.

This year, however, Clay and the Mariners were not to be denied, beating Forest Green Rovers 3-1 at Wembley on 15th May.

“It’s been class,” he said of his time at Blundell Park.

“Last year was one of the best years I’ve had personally with such a great group of lads, and we’ve gone one better this year.

“We’ve had two very successful seasons.”

Clay admits he can’t wait to set foot on the pitch as a Football League player again.

“I’m massively exicted for next year, getting back to the Football League,” he said.

“Enjoying my football, playing regularly, I’m happy.

“I’ve still got a long way to go but I’ll keep working and giving 100 per cent.

“I’m only 24, I’ve got a while to get to where I want to go.”