Regan Clayton is back doing what he loves.
And it didn’t take long for the full-back to throw himself into a trademark tackle. In fact, it was about a minute into his entrance into the Hammers’ 2-2 draw with Manchester City when Clayton was seen sending his man into touch once more.
Such tackles have become a trademark of a player, who went from strength to strength last season. Clayton made 31 appearances for the development side and started all six FA Youth Cup matches for the U18s. He showed his versatility too, playing both left-back and centre-back on the run to the Club’s fourth Youth Cup trophy in its history.
This summer, a different challenge, altogether presented itself. Following a hamstring injury in training, Clayton was out for nine weeks ahead of the 2023/24 season and has been working hard to get himself back to full fitness.
With the support of Head of Medical Tom Smith and U21s physio Matteo Brunelli, Clayton returned to the action as a late substitute in the Hammers’ 3-1 win over Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy in September.
He then featured from the bench as the U21s drew 2-2 with Manchester City in their final game ahead of the October international break.
“It’s great to be back with the boys,” he explains, after his showing at the City Academy Stadium last month. “You appreciate being able to train and play a lot more when you’ve been out for a while. It’s such a blessing to be back around the lads and getting a few minutes as well.”
Of course, an injury midway through pre-season meant that Clayton’s trip to Murcia for the U21s pre-season tour saw a lot of time in the gym away from the pitch.
Here, he was working hard alongside Brunelli to ensure his return to action was as quick as possible with a successful rehabilitation programme.
“Everyone is outside in the sun training and you’re in the gym so it is a tough one,” Clayton adds, “but anytime I finished my sessions I would go out to watch them.
“Matteo and Tom have been really great over the past months. I had not been out for longer than a week before this summer, so it was a tough one and tough mentally as well.
“I had days where it’s been good and days where I have not felt so good. But it is just about managing it and it’s thanks to them I’m back feeling good.
“I am happy that I have done that work right because I feel strong as well. Hopefully, I can keep pushing and get a start now.”
