Clayton Donaldson

Footballer (born 1984)

Clayton Andrew Donaldson (born 7 February 1984) is a professional footballer and manager who plays as a striker for club Farsley Celtic, where he is also the manager. He has played in the English Football League and Scottish Premier League for Hull City, Hibernian, Crewe Alexandra, Brentford, Birmingham City, Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City, and at senior international level for the Jamaica national team. Donaldson started his career with Hull City in 2002, scoring on his first team debut in the Football League Trophy later that year. He was sent out on loan to non League clubs on four occasions, and with chances in the first team at Hull limited, he was released in 2005 and subsequently joined York City. In his first season at the club, he was voted as their Clubman of the Year and his second season saw him finish as the team's highest scorer and third highest scorer in the league. He joined Scottish Premier League club Hibernian in July 2007, after signing a pre contract agreement with them in January whilst with York. After a season at the club he left to return to England with Crewe Alexandra. After three years with Crewe, being the top goalscorer in League Two in his last season, he joined Brentford in 2011. He spent three years with the club, helping them gain promotion into the Championship in 2013–14, before signing for Birmingham City at the end of that season when his contract expired. After three seasons with Birmingham, he signed for another Championship club, Sheffield United, in August 2017. Spending just a year with the club, he moved to Bolton Wanderers in June 2018. He has since played in the lower league divisions of English football, with the likes of York, Gainsborough Trinity, and most recently, Farsley Celtic

Donaldson played internationally for the England National Game XI, who represent England at non League level, with whom he earned two caps, before accepting an invitation to represent Jamaica in 2015.

Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Donaldson grew up in Manningham and attended Manningham Middle School and Rhodesway School. He played football for his school team before joining his hometown club Bradford City, who he supported as a child. Donaldson was released by the club aged 16, with only one player, Lewis Emanuel, being retained from his age group.

Donaldson was a trainee with Hull's youth system when scoring from close range on his first team debut in Hull's Football League Trophy 3–1 away defeat to Port Vale on 22 October 2002, having replaced Gary Alexander as a 60th minute substitute. and scored in the 68th minute of his debut, a 3–1 away win over Gateshead on 12 November. He stayed with Harrogate for three months, in that time scoring 5 goals in 10 appearances before returning to Hull. He made his Football League debut for Hull on 8 February 2003, coming on as an 81st minute substitute for Damien Delaney in a 1–0 defeat at home to Lincoln City. He made one further appearance in the 2002–03 season, as a 69th minute substitute in a 1–0 away win against Boston United. His debut came in a 2–1 home defeat to Burton Albion on 23 August 2003, and made only one more appearance before his loan expired. Having made his debut as a 58th minute substitute for Jake Sagare in a 2–0 away defeat to Margate on 8 February 2004, Donaldson finished his spell at Halifax with four appearances. His second loan spell with Harrogate ended having scored 4 goals from 11 appearances.

After his release by Hull, Donaldson was spoken to by Barrow, but was signed by Conference National club York City on 23 June 2005, with manager Billy McEwan saying: "He's a young player who is very hungry for his chance and he'll bring competition up front". He made his debut in a 0–0 home draw with Crawley Town on 13 August 2005. During 2005–06, Donaldson scored 18 goals for York He agreed a contract extension with York for 2006–07 in July 2006. York manager McEwan compared Donaldson to Paulo Wanchope in September 2006, but following York's 2–0 away defeat against Oxford United later that month, McEwan criticised Donaldson's selfishness in attack, saying it cost them the match. In late 2006, Donaldson became subject of much transfer speculation. Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy watched him in York's 1–0 home victory over Altrincham, in which he scored his 12th goal of the season, on 5 November 2006. He was also watched by Scottish Premier League club Hibernian. In response to this speculation, Donaldson said: "I don't read too much into the speculation. I've heard it before and nothing has happened so I will just keep my head down and enjoy my football until a point comes when the manager or board come and tell me they have had an offer they want to consider". Scunthorpe United and Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry both watched him in December 2006. Fry tabled a £100,000 bid for Donaldson, but this failed to meet York's valuation and they halted their bid at this amount. He was reportedly given a £500,000 transfer valuation by York in January 2007. A cash plus player offer from League Two club Accrington Stanley for Donaldson was rejected in January 2007, which according to York was £25,000 and was termed as an "embarrassment" by York manager McEwan, and Accrington then upped their bid to a six figure fee, but were told that Donaldson was not for sale. Donaldson was suspended for three matches following his 51st minute red card for using his elbow in York's 2–1 defeat away to Kidderminster Harriers on 20 January 2007. York rejected a bid from Scunthorpe for Donaldson, with their approach falling short of York's valuation, after which Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins said he would not pay "stupid money" for Donaldson. On 29 January 2007, Hibernian announced that Donaldson had signed a pre contract agreement with them for a three year contract, effective in the summer. As he was 23 years old a month later, York were not entitled to any compensation under FIFA regulations. York later turned down a £50,000 offer from Hibernian, which would have allowed them to bring Donaldson to the club immediately. York manager McEwan wanted Donaldson to give his complete commitment for York for the rest of the season, who also revealed that the club intended to fight against the "international loophole" that meant Donaldson could join Hibernian for free. Donaldson's agent, Andy Sprott, said suggestions he deliberately found Donaldson a transfer in Scotland so York would not receive any compensation were "not the case". Donaldson returned from his suspension for York's reserves against Sheffield United on 6 February 2007, but the match was frozen off, and he eventually returned in a 4–0 away win over Altrincham on 10 February 2007. Donaldson insisted he remained fully committed to York, after speculation concerning his commitment grew in April 2007. In the play off semi final second leg away to Morecambe on 7 May 2007, Donaldson collided with the onrushing opposition goalkeeper Steven Drench in the penalty area while trying to collect the ball. With Donaldson still groggy, York's penalty was taken by Steve Bowey, who successfully converted in the 20th minute.

Donaldson made his Scottish Premier League debut for Hibernian in a 1–0 away win over their rivals Hearts on 6 August 2007, his first league goal coming against Falkirk on 15 September, Donaldson was sent off in this match, resulting in a one match suspension. His first match back was his home debut against Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup on 26 September 2007, Donaldson scored in the 11th minute after a solo run, beating two defenders and shooting under goalkeeper Graeme Smith, although Hibs lost the match 4–2. He was linked with a move to League One club Crewe Alexandra in February 2008, having been unable to figure in Mixu Paatelainen's plans at Hibs, meaning he was frozen out of the first team. Donaldson finished 2007–08 with 21 appearances and 6 goals, his last goal of the season coming against Falkirk in December 2007. Crewe were believed to be lining up a bid for him in July 2008, who had money available after selling striker Nicky Maynard to Bristol City for £2.25 million and held negotiations with Donaldson. The move stalled after a six figure fee had been agreed but Donaldson later agreed personal terms.

Donaldson's move to League One club Crewe Alexandra was completed on 18 August 2008 on a three year contract for an undisclosed six figure fee. The contract could not be signed until international clearance was given from the Scottish Football Association, He made his debut as an 81st minute substitute in a 2–1 home victory against Walsall on 23 August 2008. Despite this, he came on as a substitute in Crewe's 3–0 away defeat to Scunthorpe on 11 October 2008, which was followed a week later by his first start in a 2–2 home draw with Milton Keynes Dons. He displayed the ability of long throw ins, which he initially developed while in the Hull youth team, on several occasions, including a 3–2 home victory over Scunthorpe on 17 January 2009, a match in which he also scored. He scored three goals in four matches later in the season, with the final goal, against Carlisle United, proving to be his last of 2008–09. He finished 2009–10 with 39 appearances and 13 goals. His first goals of the season came after scoring twice in a 7–0 home victory over Barnet on 21 August 2010, He finished the season with 48 appearances and 29 goals,

Donaldson signed a three year contract with League One club Brentford on 1 July 2011 on a free transfer. He was named Brentford's Player of the Year for 2012–13, in which he scored 24 goals from 56 appearances.

Donaldson turned down Brentford's contract offer, and signed a two year contract with their 2014–15 Championship rivals Birmingham City, to begin on 1 July 2014 when his Brentford contract expired. He made his debut as a second half substitute in the opening day defeat at Middlesbrough, opened the scoring as Birmingham beat Cambridge United 3–1 at St Andrew's in the League Cup, Although attracting praise for his general play, Donaldson was disappointed with his lack of goals; by the end of October 2014, he had added only one more. A change of management and change of formationGary Rowett preferred to play Donaldson as a lone strikerbrought a change of fortune in front of goal. He scored both goals in a 2–1 home win against Watford, who had been on a nine match unbeaten run, and followed up with the only goal of the visit to Rotherham United, when his shot was parried back out to him and he was alert enough to produce a more accurate and powerful second attempt. Donaldson's "customary selfless performance" was rewarded with a two goals in a 3–1 away win over Nottingham Forest, and a hat trick against Wigan Athletic prompted thoughts of a 20 goal season. An eight week lean spell put paid to that targethe finished 2014–15 with 16 goals in all competitions, 15 in the league,

In the first month of 2015–16, Donaldson provided four assists for teammates but did not score himself. At home to Bristol City on 12 September 2015, he completed a first half hat trick; the match ended 4–2. His fifth goal of the season came in a 5–2 away win against Fulham on 7 November 2015, He returned to first team action on 26 December 2015, as a late substitute with Birmingham already 3–0 down at Sheffield Wednesday, and remained in the starting eleven thereafter, Donaldson was also used on the left wing in support of loan striker Kyle Lafferty. He said he enjoyed that position "because strikers are always getting battered and from there you can sneak in unopposed", although it had not gone as well for him this season as he had hoped. By the end of the season, which he finished as the club's top scorer with 11 goals from 40 league appearances as well as contributing 7 assists, he claimed to be "back to [his] normal self". Two weeks later, he converted a penalty to open his account for the season before taking advantage of a defensive error to complete a 3–0 win over Norwich City. In the next match, Donaldson again missed a penalty, then ignored managerial orders that Jacques Maghoma should take any further spot kick and scored the winning goal from the penalty awarded after 49 minutes. After the match, Rowett confirmed that Donaldson would remain as designated taker, but advised him to practise. He duly scored from the spot in the very next match. Donaldson's sixth goal, again a penalty, came against Ipswich Town in December. He was stretchered off soon afterwards with an Achilles tendon injury which kept him out for three months, by which time the team were in a relegation battle under the management of Gianfranco Zola, who had taken over the day after the Ipswich match. He made four appearances, with only one start, before a knee injured in training forced him out until the last 20 minutes of the final match, away to Bristol City, in which he helped Birmingham defend a 1–0 lead to avoid relegation. Harry Redknapp had come in as manager for Birmingham's last three matches of 2016–17, and agreed to stay on for the new season. Donaldson started the first four league matcheshe did not score, but against Burton Albion he combined with strike partner Lukas Jutkiewicz to create a goal for Maghomaand took his Birmingham record to 33 goals from 117 appearances in all competitions. Redknapp completely revamped the team during the last couple of weeks of the transfer window, bringing in two strikers and other attacking players, and late on deadline day, Donaldson moved on.

Donaldson signed a one year contract with another Championship club, Sheffield United, on 31 August 2017. The undisclosed fee was described by the Birmingham Mail as "nominal". After scoring both of his team's goals in a 2–1 away win against Sunderland on his debut on 9 September, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder commented: "Not bad for 50 grand that, is it? Not bad from Aldi We are delighted to get Clayton. He's a good kid. I know a lot about him. I've tried to sign him enough times, I should know about him. He said yes to me eventually." He was released by Sheffield United at the end of the 2017–18 season.

Donaldson signed a one year contract with Championship club Bolton Wanderers on 26 June 2018. His first goal came on 5 January 2019 in the FA Cup third round against Walsall scoring the equaliser in an eventually 5–2 win.

Donaldson signed for newly relegated League Two club Bradford City on 14 June 2019 on a one year contract. He became captain in January 2020, after regular captain James Vaughan left the club on loan. In September 2020 he was replaced as captain Richard O'Donnell. He was released by Bradford at the end of the 2020–21 season.

Donaldson rejoined York City, with the club now in the National League North, on 21 June 2021.

Following his release from York, Donaldson joined Gainsborough Trinity on 6 July 2022.

National League North club Farsley Celtic signed Donaldson on a free transfer in May 2023. A couple of weeks later, he was appointed head coach in addition to his role as a player. He scored three goals from 39 league appearances, mainly as a starter, and his team avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

Donaldson was called up by the England National Game XI, who represent England at non League level, for a European Challenge Trophy match against Belgium in November 2005. He was named in the initial 35 man squad for the Four Nations Tournament in May 2006, but did not make the final 18 man squad. Donaldson finally made the cut when being named in the final 16 man squad for the team to play the Netherlands in November 2006. He made his debut in this match, coming on as a substitute in the last 15 minutes, in which he set up Craig Mackail Smith for the final goal of a 4–1 victory. This result meant England won the inaugural European Challenge Trophy, topping the table with maximum points. although York manager McEwan contemplated withdrawing Donaldson from the squad, after his comeback for York against Altrincham in February 2007. Donaldson eventually started against Northern Ireland, but was substituted after 50 minutes for Paul Benson, who scored England's only goal two minutes after coming on in a 3–1 defeat. This was the final of two caps he earned for England National Game XI. In April 2015, Donaldson stated that he wanted to play for Jamaica, his parents' country. He had hoped to be selected for the 2015 Copa América or for the Gold Cup, but did not receive his Jamaican passport in time. He was called up for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November 2015 against Panama and Haiti, and made his full international debut in the first of those matches, at Independence Park in Kingston on 13 November. He entered the match with Jamaica already 2–0 down, replacing Darren Mattocks after 62 minutes, but was unable to affect the score. Donaldson started against Haiti, and scored the only goal of the match after 62 minutes with a header from a corner.

His brother, Jahsiah Donaldson, was a schoolboy with Leeds United before injury ended his career. In June 2014, Donaldson married Pippa (née Fulton) and their son Hendrix was born in August 2015.