Royal Clayton FC

Royal Clayton have their roots in Provident AFC, members of the Wharfedale Sunday League. The club then changed bases when it moved over to the Bradford Sunday Alliance. Firstly it was Macrory’s, then later The Office, and since 1997 the club has operated from the Royal Hotel in Clayton. Secretary Steve Kaye, who has held the post for 14 years and occasionally turns out, is the only remaining club member who played in the original Provident side. With an influx of new players Royal finished third behind Thornbury and Dudley Hill Rangers in the 1997-1998 season. Promoted from that third position into division 2B for the following season, Clayton more than justified their elevation. They consolidated by securing a comfortable mid-table position. It was a sound foundation and Royal Clayton’s continued improvement saw them finish runners-up to the division newcomers Wilsons Transport to clinch promotion to division 1B in the 1999-2000 season. They found the new division tougher and struggled last season. They eventually slipped to 11th with only five wins from 16 games. They were fortunate to escape relegation when  Calverley Victoria Reserves and Wrose Albion failed to register for the coming season. But the team hope they can fare better this time now that they know a little more about the strength of the opposition and the teams they have to watch.