Former Birmingham City, Brentford, and Hibs man lands role at non-league club

Former Birmingham City striker Clayton Donalson is back on his feet after being appointed as the new head of development at York City.

Donaldson was relieved of his duties as manager of Farsley Celtic at the start of September, having spent just over a year in the job. Despite sacking him, the The Celt Army retained his registration as a player, but he hasn't made a league appearance for Farsley, with there fears of their future.

The 40-year-old has bounced back from his axing by taking on a role at his former club York of whom he had two playing spells with. He first joined them in 2005 and was prolific in the National League, bagging 41 goals in 85 games, and that caught the attention of Scottish Premiership side Hibs who signed him.

Donaldson returned to York in 2021 when they were playing in the sixth tier, and he helped the Minstermen win promotion from the National League North. His new role of head of development will see him oversee plans to introduce a development team, and work alongside director of football Tony McMahon.

Bradford-born Donaldson said: "To be back here... I'm over the moon.

"I can't wait to get started. I'm a York City fan. York to me is like my second home.

"It's the perfect fit for me and hopefully I can help other youngsters come through and start their journey here as well.

"I've been there; lived it, experienced it and now it's for me to pass that knowledge down to the next generation.”

Donaldson brings a wealth of experience as a player to York. His senior playing career has spanned over 20-years, playing at various different levels. The ten-time Jamaica international spent three seasons as a player at Brentford, the club he made the most appearances for.

He netted 53 goals in 155 games before moving on to Birmingham City in 2014. At Blues, he had 33 goals in 117 matches having been signed by Lee Clark. He was allowed to join Sheffield United in 2017 and later went on to play for Bolton Wanderers, Bradford City, and Gainsborough Trinity.