Steve Watson gets his man as Clayton Donaldson returns to York City

CLAYTON Donaldson says he is “thrilled” to have rejoined York City – and he’s set his sights fully on winning promotion.

Photo: Alamy

The 37-year-old has linked up once again with the Minstermen 14 years after his first spell which led to a glittering football career in the Championship with the likes of Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Brentford.

Donaldson played 41 times for hometown club Bradford City in League Two last season, captaining the side on multiple occasions.

In his previous spell at York, Donaldson scored 44 goals over two seasons and now looks to replicate his goal scoring form under former coach Steve Watson, who worked with the Jamaican international at Birmingham.

“It feels brilliant to sign,” Donaldson told the club’s website. “It’s obviously been a while. I heard of the interest as soon as I left Bradford and to me it was a no brainer. I was here before and I am thrilled to be back here.

“I always keep myself fit and in good shape, which is why I am still going, I love the sport, I love the game and my body says you’ve definitely got another year or two in you.

“Everyone wants to get promoted and I’m no different – it’s a team that definitely belongs higher and hopefully we can hit the ground running and look up rather than down.”

Equally, boss Watson was delighted to get his man. He added: “He’s played quite a lot as a number ten for Bradford and I kept a good eye on him at the end of last season –a lot of their better performances when they turned a corner was when Clayton was involved.

“He’s got experience as an out-and-out target man. He’s a very strong boy and a very fit boy – he’s looked after himself. The main thing about Clayton is that when we sat down and chatted, he wanted to get promoted and felt like he wanted to do it at this club.

“I worked with him at Birmingham with Lee [Clark] – and he doesn’t look any different after seeing him today so I’m still convinced that he can terrorise defenders in this league as well.”