‘Frustrating’ – Haverfordwest County star reveals lengthy spell on sidelines
Clayton Green moved on from Penybont after two seasons. (Pic by Kara Thomas/FAW)
Haverfordwest County will be without Clayton Green for a lengthy period after the summer signing suffered a medial ligament injury in his knee.
Green has already missed the Bluebirds’ last five matches after making just two appearances since his move from Penybont, featuring in the defeats to The New Saints and his former club in August.
The 28-year-old was spotted wearing a knee brace while conducting a half-time interview with Sgorio’s Sioned Dafydd during Haverfordwest’s Cymru Premier clash with Briton Ferry Llansawel, where he confirmed he has another two months of recovery ahead of him.
“I’ve done a month now. I’m looking at another two months’ recovery time till I’m back on the pitch,” Green said.
“So I’m missing it. It’s tough watching. It’s frustrating.
“It’s horrible. I’ve never had an injury like this before. This is new. Especially when results aren’t going right out on the pitch for the boys.
“I just want to be out there helping them. Every game that goes by, it is frustrating.”
When could Clayton Green return?
Green’s current recovery timeline means his earliest potential return could come in November, with Haverfordwest due to face his former club Penybont on November 20 at the Dragon Bet Stadium.
However, that date is dependent on his progress in training and whether manager Tony Pennock believes he is ready to return to competitive action.
If Green needs more time, the Bluebirds have further fixtures against Connah’s Quay Nomads on November 27 and Caernarfon Town on December 5.
The midfielder will be desperate to return as soon as possible, particularly with Haverfordwest looking to climb the Cymru Premier table.
“Hopefully we can keep moving up the table and put us in a good position for when I’m back in two months, and keep progressing,” he said.
Why Green chose Haverfordwest County
Green joined Haverfordwest in the summer after leaving Penybont, with the opportunity to work alongside several familiar faces helping make the move an attractive proposition.
The Wales C international already knew a number of his new teammates, including Ben Ahmun and Corey Shepard at Pontypridd United, while Kyle McCarthy was a fellow Wales C international and Rhys Abbruzzese was someone he had previously played alongside at Barry Town United.
“It’s a couple of boys I know. Some I’ve known for years, Ben Ahmun, and Sheppy (Corey Shepard), who I’m close mates with,” Green said.
“You’ve got Rhys Abbruzzese and Macca (Kyle McCarthy), as well. It was something a little bit different.
“You’ve got the full-time programme, which I’m not a part of, but they’re trying to do something different. It’s something new and exciting down here. It’s a new challenge.”
Green captained Wales C in their most recent victory over England in March 2024 and has won four caps at that level.
For now, though, his focus is on recovering from an injury he admits is unlike anything he has experienced before.
