Michael Jamie Clegg

Sunderland A.F.C. Strength & Conditioning Coach

Michael Jamie Clegg.

Mike was a former defender at Manchester United football club. He began his football career as a trainee with Manchester United and signed the apprentice forms two days after his sixteenth birthday in July 1993. He was a member of the 1995 FA Youth Cup-winning side, playing at center-half in the first leg of the final. He also won The Reserve Team Player of the Year for Season 1997/98. He turned professional soon afterwards, he signed a professional contract in July 1995 and he was pro for 7 years. He was captain of the reserves, where he captained United's reserve team to their Manchester Senior Cup Final victory over Oldham Athletic and played 23 times for the first team. 

During his time at Manchester United Mike also made appearances for England’s U21’s. He made his first team debut on 23 November 1996 in the Premiership game away to Middlesbrough which finished as a 2–2 draw. He retained his place in the side for the following week's League (Coca Cola) Cup visit to Leicester City, where his performance earned him rave reviews. He played in four FA Premier League games in the 1996-97 season and although United were champions for the fourth time in fifth season it was not enough for a title winner's medal. He managed a further three appearances in 1997-98 when United were trophy less for only the second time in the decade. During the 1998/99 season, his first team chances were restricted to Worthington Cup fixtures. Michael found it hard to break into the First Team making just five appearances in 1999/2000 campaign. This was when United won their sixth title in eight seasons, but once again Mike failed to meet the required number of appearances for a title winner's medal. 

Having gained first team experience at United, Mike then spent a time on loan at Ipswich Town, Wigan Athletic before joining Oldham Athletic. In his first season, Oldham qualified for the Division two playoffs, but at that time the club then went into Administration and Mike helped a heavily shaped squad from relegation in his final season. He retired from professional football at the tender age of 27. After he retired he was personally chosen and appointed by former team mate/manager Roy Keane in the autumn of 2006 to take on the role as Sunderland’s strength and conditions coach. Mike Clegg joined Sunderland as strength and conditioning coach in October 2006 a position which he still holds to date.

View Mikes Core Progression Plan

Muscle & Fitness - November 2010 

"Featuring a series profiling strength & conditioning coaches this month we travel to Sunderland to Interview the Sunderland FC Strength & Condition Coach Mike Clegg Jnr"

 See Mike's Muscle & Fitness article >HERE<

Barbados Legends Tournament 2012

About The Event

"Football has always been known as the beautiful game. But now it’s going to get itself a tan, unwind on the beach and become the gorgeous game. Barbados as a country is extremely honoured to be the first venue for this very prestigious event which will see the classic style of play, strength and goal scoring ability of some of the best players of the past decade in the English premiership."

Staged at the cricket venue, the Kensington Oval, teams represented Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Blackburn, Newcastle, the Professional Footballers’ Association and an all-star side from the surrounding islands. Among the star names on the roster were Roberto Di Matteo, Gianfranco Zola, Mike Clegg, Gus Poyet, Alan Shearer, Gaizka Mendieta, Lee Clark, Nolberto Solano, John Jensen, Michael Thomas. Brian Lara, Dennis Wise, Kevin Pilkington, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.

Manchester United, with Mike Clegg one of the players representing the team, went on to win the silverware and Mike was overjoyed as he held aloft the cup.

Mike's Football Career

Position:Fullback

National team:England

MU Career:Seasons:6

Appearances:24 (15 starts + 9 subs)

Goals per match:0.00

First appearance:23 November 1996, aged 18

Last appearance:5 November 2001, aged 23

MU career:5.0 years

First start:Saturday 23 November 1996

First sub:Sunday 11 May 1997

Last start:Tuesday 28 November 2000

Last sub:Monday 5 November 2001

Other Clubs (* loan) 

Before:none

During:Ipswich Town*, Wigan Athletic*

After:Oldham Athletic

Famous footballer helps kick start campaign

Former Manchester United star Mike Clegg recently coached Year 10 pupils from Astley Sports College and Community High School and Hartshead Sports College. Mike, who comes from Ashton, was a pupil at Stamford High School and joined Manchester United as an apprentice at 16 after being discovered by a scout while playing for Droylsden FC. The day included intensive football coaching and a football tournament. Students were able to develop their individual skills and teamwork. The day was part of 'Kick Start' organised by Tameside Aimhigher. Participants also visited the sports department at Manchester Metropolitan University where they took a look at the facilities, spoke to students and took part in activities. They also toured the sports facilities at Hyde Clarendon Sixth Form College and found out about the courses on offer that could lead on to further studies at university.

©MickClegg2012