Slee Street, Whyalla  S.A.  5600 Postal Address: P.O. Box 22, Whyalla S.A. 5600  Phone/Fax: (08) 8645 9909   Email: w.w.f.c@westnet.com.au

Club Identities

Bob Clayton

Following the second retirment of Coach John McInerney in 1975, the club searched for a worthy successor to carry on the tradition. In Port Adelaide's Bob Clayton, West Whyalla Football Club had recruited a worthy replacement. Bob was recruited on a two-year coaching contract and along with wife June and newly born son Ashley moved to Whyalla in february 1976. This was Bob's first season as a coach and he approached it with the belief that there is no easy way to success. As a tee-totaller and a dedicated footballer he encouraged his players to become fit, disiplined and to work as a team. His no nosense, direct approach and willingness to talk out any problems earned him the loyalty of his charges which led eventually to a Premiership in 1976 and a runnerup in 1977. Bob's football career in Adelaide spanned a long and successful period, beginning at the age of 10 years with Ethelton Football Club which was an under 15 age group. After playing with the Ethelton Primary School team, Bob graduated to the under 18 competition with the Ethelton Senior Colts team, at only 13. At 15 Bob played six games with the Ethelton A grade team in the A2 Amateur League. During this season he also played the last six matches with the Port Adelaide Junior Colts. The next season he commenced with the Port Adelaide Thirds (U19s), playing 16 games, and finishing the season playing the last four games with the seconds. In 1964 at 17, he recorded 15 games with the Seconds who completed the year as runnerup, and seven games with the Thirds. After a full season with the Seconds in 1965, again runnerup, Bob played for the League side in 1966. In the next 10 years Bob had amassed 158 league games. Bob gained extensive experience under such coaches as Fos Williams, John Cahill, Neville Hayes, lloyd Zucker, Ken Tierney and Graham Durbridge, having played in almost every position on the field. Bob regards Geoff Motley, John Cahill, Neville Hayes, trevor Obst, Jeff Potter and Russell Ebert as some of the best he has played with, and Neil Kerley, Ken Eustice, Barrie Robran and Rick Schoff as the best of the opposition. As with most league players at some stage, they suffer career setbacks and Bob had his share. In 1965 he suffered a broken arm whilst playing for the Port Adelaide Seconds, and damaged ligaments in his left knee in the first game of 1974 which prevented him from playing for the rest of the season. Daily morning runs and various knee exercises gradually returned him to match fitness for the 1975 season. Bob as the new Coach of West Whyalla advised his charges that past reputations meant nothing to him and players had to prove they were worthy of a place in the team. His approach was basic and sound, have the players run straight at the ball, get the ball, run with the ball and use it with teamwork to best effect. He stressed to succeed every player must be prepared to make extra sacrifices, especially with finals matches. In retrospect Bob was impressed in his two seasons in Whyalla by the West players' teamwork, attitude and dedication to the game and the support provided by the Match and Management committees. Bob and June have special memories of the friendship given by Joy and Max Thornton, Marg and Mick Marron, Elsie and Jack Short just to mention a few. Following his two years in Whyalla Bob went on to coach Millicent Football Club for two seasons and Proprietary Football Club for four seasons. Today he continues to be involved in football as the Football Manager for the Port Adelaide Football Club. From the WWFC Golden Anniversary book 1995

"Once a Westy Always a Westy"