Clare was born in
Belper,
Derbyshire. He began his career at
Stockport County, where he had progressed through the Centre of Excellence youth system, making his debut as a substitute in a 4–1 defeat at
Fulham. He spent one season at
Blackpool, before re-joining Stockport. In August 2004, Clare received a call-up to the
England Under-21 squad for their friendly against Ukraine. He was an unused
substitute. He played twice for the England under 20 team. During the
2006–07 season, Clare was part of the Stockport County side that set a record for winning
nine games in a row without conceding. He was notable for playing every minute of that nine-game run. ==Post-playing career==