[3] Clayton, a right half, began his career with Blackburn Rovers (where his elder brother Ken was also a squad member).

[12] He made his international debut against Northern Ireland in November 1955, and won his last cap against Yugoslavia in May 1960.

[14] On 2 December 1970 Blackburn Rovers recognised his services to the club with them hosting the Ronnie Clayton Testimonial Match with a Manchester City / Liverpool XI playing an International XI.

[16] On 13 August 2011, as a sign of respect to Clayton, it was announced at half-time during the first game of the 2011–12 Premier League season, that The Blackburn End was to be renamed The Ronnie Clayton End at Ewood Park.

In February 2019 he was one of the first seven players to be inducted into the club's Hall of Fame.