BREAKING NEWS..........Left Back Jamie Clapham joins the Blues on trail..........

Last updated : 22 July 2008 By Shrimpers24


Jamie Clapham, an experienced left-back with over 400 appearances, is to join Southend United on trial. He trained with the Shrimpers yesterday.

Picture of Jamie Clapham

Will Jamie prove he's the man for the troublesome left back position

Clapham will feature in either this Thursday's friendly at Billericay Town or Monday night's visit to Chelmsford City.

Blues boss Steve Tilson confirmed this speaking in the Southend Evening Echo; "Jamie has come in for us to have a look at and he will play in one of the matches we have coming up. Signing a left-back remains our main priority and he's someone who has enjoyed a good career so we will see what happens."

His career started at Tottenham Hotspur, although he only made one appearance for the club, a 2-1 defeat to Coventry City on May 11, 1997. Prior to that single game, he had had loan spells at Leyton Orient (6 games between January 29 and February 22, 1997) and Bristol Rovers (5 games between March 27 and April 26 of the same year).

The next season saw him loaned out to Ipswich Town for two months between January 9 and March 12 of 1998, the move then becoming permanent for a fee of £300,000. He made a total of 175 full and 20 substitute appearances for Ipswich and scored eight goals, the most notable coming from his left-footed free kicks. In 1999, he was voted Ipswich Town's "Player of the Year". He also tasted European action with the club, playing 12 games in the UEFA Cup in two successive campaigns (2002/02 and 2002/03).

Ipswich Town's relegation in 2002 led to the club going into administration and created a need to sell players. Clapham was one such player as he was sold to Premiership Birmingham City for £1.3 million in 2003 after four years at Portman Road. He settled into the team and was a virtual ever present until a hamstring injury forced him out in December. His recovery was hampered when he suffered shingles during February, and he was unable to return until April.

In the following two seasons, he remained a squad player with competition for his slot from a number of players, such as Stan Lazaridis and Julian Gray, limiting his appearances. In May 2006, he was released by the club as they slipped from the top flight. In all, he played 84 games over three seasons, scoring once (against Manchester United).

In July 2006, Clapham had a trial with Sheffield United and played 75 minutes of a pre-season clash with Rotherham. Clapham also received interest from his former club Ipswich Town before choosing to sign for Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2006 on a two year deal. He played in just 26 league games during 2006/07 (without scoring) and was put on the transfer list at the end of it.

However, there were no takers for the defender in the close season and he began the 2007/08 campaign still at Molineux. He was loaned out to League One Leeds United in August 2007 and remained at Elland Road for three months.

He failed to break back into Wolves first team after his return and was released to join Leicester City on January 31, 2008. Clapham was released by the club in May 2008.

He began training with West Bromwich Albion in July, managed by former Ipswich team mate Tony Mowbray, where he was building up his fitness.

A left back has been a prority for Tilly after missing out on Charlie Mulgrew which left 18 year old Johnny Herd the only recognised player in that position in the squad.

Clapham, who is available on a free transfer after being released by Leicester City at the end of last season, will be the latest to be given a chance, after at least two other players have been less than succesful, and he certainly has the experience to be the player Tilly is looking for. We wish him the best of luck.


YearsClubApp (Gls)*
1994-1998
1997
1997
1998
1998-2003
2003-2006
2006-2008
2007
2008
Tottenham Hotspur
→ Leyton Orient (loan)
→ Bristol Rovers (loan)
→ Ipswich Town (loan)
Ipswich Town
Birmingham City
Wolverhampton Wanderers
→ Leeds United (loan)
Leicester City
001 (0)
006 (0)
005 (0)
012 (0)
195 (8)
084 (1)
026 (0)
013 (0)
011 (0)

1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of July 22 2008 (UTC).
* Appearances (Goals)