Robert Clare (born 28 February 1983) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender.

Rob Clare
Personal information
Full name Robert David Clare
Date of birth (1983-02-28) 28 February 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Belper, England
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
Stockport County (commercial manager)
Youth career
Derby County
Stockport County
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2004 Stockport County 117 (3)
2004–2005 Blackpool 23 (0)
2005–2008 Stockport County 64 (2)
Total 204 (5)
International career
2002−2003 England U20 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Playing career

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Clare was born in Belper, Derbyshire. He began his career at Stockport County, where he had progressed through the Centre of Excellence youth system, making his debut as a substitute in a 4–1 defeat at Fulham. He spent one season at Blackpool, before re-joining Stockport.

In August 2004, Clare received a call-up to the England Under-21 squad for their friendly against Ukraine.[1] He was an unused substitute. He played twice for the England under 20 team.[2]

During the 2006–07 season, Clare was part of the Stockport County side that set a record for winning nine games in a row without conceding. He was notable for playing every minute of that nine-game run.

Post-playing career

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In June 2008, Clare was released from his contract with Stockport County after an injury-plagued year.[3] Injury forced Clare to retire prematurely at the age of 25. He pursued referee and coaching qualifications. He is married and has four children.

References

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  1. ^ "Ferdinand gets call-up". BBC Sport. 13 August 2004. Retrieved 5 September 2008.
  2. ^ "England Matches - Under-20's 1981-2019".
  3. ^ "Promoted Stockport release nine". BBC Sport. 2 June 2008. Retrieved 23 July 2008.
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