Farsley Celtic impress their fans by signing 39 year old ex-Championship player turned NPL top goalscorer Clayton Donaldson.
They have announced the signing of the former, Hull, York, Hibernian, Crewe, Brentford, Birmingham, Sheffield United, Bolton, Bradford player on a free transfer, and he’s still going strong.
He most recently played for Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Gainsborough Trinity in the 2022/23 campaign where he netted 22 goals in 38 matches in all competitions.
He now heads to Farsley, who avoided relegation by a single point in the National League North, and looks to add to his impressive goal tally, joining the club just two days after boss Russ Wilcox departed.
Farsley Celtic are thrilled to announce the signing of veteran striker @ClaytonTheDon! ✍️💚#CeltArmy
— Farsley Celtic (@FarsleyCelticFC) May 19, 2023
FARSLEY CELTIC STATEMENT:
Farsley Celtic are delighted to announce the signing of striker Clayton Donaldson on a free transfer.
The 39-year-old most recently played for Northern Premier League outfit Gainsborough Trinity in the 2022/23 season where he racked up an impressive 22 goals in 38 matches in all competitions.
The Bradford-born man came through the ranks at his hometown club Bradford City, before joining the youth setup at Hull City.
Donaldson has played much higher up in the football pyramid, with long and successful spells in the Championship with clubs such as Brentford, Birmingham City and Sheffield United which has seen him score a total of 246 goals in a career which has spanned 21 years and counting.
He now links up with Farsley in the National League North looking to add to his impressive goal tally as well as helping the Celts towards a successful season.
On the signing of Donaldson, club director Pav Singh said: “Clayton is a player we have been looking at for some time, and his presence on the pitch is something that will add something totally different to our game.
This a hugely exciting signing for the club, and sends out a signal of intent as to what we want to achieve this season”
Chairman Paul Barthorpe also gave his thoughts, saying: “Clayton is a top professional and has been for a number of years having played at the highest level. He brings with him not only his fantastic ability on the pitch, but also his character off it. He is also a top coach and will have huge benefit to the club both on and off the field!
His goal scoring record over recent years is superb and will bring a whole new dimension to us on the pitch! Which will make Clayton a fan favourite in no time!”
Welcome to Farsley, Clayton!
WISHING DEPARTING ‘DON’ – ALL THE BEST |
We wish departing hero, Clayton Donaldson all the best as he moves on.
Full article on the website now#OnceABlueAlwaysABlue 💙
📰 @AATM_Media
📸 @kls_mediaukhttps://t.co/URd2m58yIU pic.twitter.com/5RNEnJ3D5b— Gainsborough Trinity (@GainsTrinityFC) May 19, 2023
Swivel those hips ✨ goal 21, we keep pushing @GainsTrinityFC pic.twitter.com/Kt4MyF9663
— Clayton Donaldson (@ClaytonThedon) February 20, 2023
GAINSBOROUGH STATEMENT:
Gainsborough Trinity Football Club would like to wish Clayton Donaldson every success in his future, following his move to National League North outfit, Farsley Celtic. Despite wanting to keep our 2022/23 Golden Boot, Winner, Supporters Player of the Season and Directors Player of the Season, the chance for Clayton to secure a longer term deal, closer to home, at a side placed higher in the pyramid were all factors that Donaldson had to consider.
The former Jamacian International, who saw service at the likes of Birmingham City, Sheffield United & York City, prior to arriving at the Northolme has certainly provided the Trinity faithful with some memorable moments, a montage of these will be on our social media channels, over the summer break. Hat-tricks away at Belper Town, and at home to Stalybridge Celtic. The performance away at Whitby, when the Blues’ scored six, Clayton wasn’t on the score sheet that night, but he gave the Whitby defence nightmares for a good few weeks after that performance!
The late winner away at Stafford, as the Blues came back from 3-0 down, to win 4-3. The audacious finish against the Nailers. Not to mention the 42 (+1) play-off season, at the age of 39, just underlining the model professional he is.
Blues’ boss, Neal Bishop was quick to pay tribute to the departing Donaldson, “Clayts has been superb for us since he came in, he came to us as I’d known him for a number years after playing with him at York. It was always a gentleman’s agreement that I would never stand in his way, if he wanted to move at the end of season. He has gone somewhere that will give him opportunities after he finishes playing and he leaves with our very best wishes.”
Donaldson posted on social media, a parting message, “Sadly my time @GainsTrinityFC has come to an end, it didn’t end with a promotion but was a positive season overall and one that I’ll always remember. Would like to thank the staff, players, fans and everyone connected for making my time enjoyable. Wish you all the best.”
Good luck with the next chapter, Clayton. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. We’ll certainly keep tabs on your adventure, as you’ll always be part of the Trinity DNA.
Catch me down in Birmingham for https://t.co/EnEG7KqC6z for my summer masterclasses on june 1st and 2nd.Can also catch me at Mackadown Sports & social on may 26th with myself and Clinton Morrison for a night of Q&A with @thegoalzone . Contact Paul Ryder @rpgpromotions_ For info pic.twitter.com/IaMC7oiouV
— Clayton Donaldson (@ClaytonThedon) May 14, 2023
As mentioned, Farsley Celtic impress fans by signing the ex-Championship player turned non league top goalscorer…
@MickCordukes: Great signing for you guys , good luck @ClaytonThedon 🐐
@JayHyde87: What a signing for you guys. Made up for you and just show how much of a professional you are…. Good luck and take it by storm
@DarrylMoulson: Great choice all round. I might pop down next season and have a butchers…
@BUSupporterpage: Some signing for these to be fair 😯
@SteveOnTrent: Glad you enjoyed it Clayton! We enjoyed your time, definitely a season to remember. Sad to see you go.. good luck 💙⚽💙
@GetTimGoing: Good luck. If only you could have returned to @YorkCityFC for a glorious 3rd stint. Always a city legend tho.
@daleymayall01: Good luck, Clayton. Legendary stuff.
@escrickite: Best of luck Clayton 👍👍❤️💙✊ #ycfc
@YCFCFarsley: That’s me heading round the corner to watch a few Farsley games now then! Good luck Clayts
@dj_cogill: Feed the don and he will score, smash it bro 👏🏽
@AlStennnn: My favourite non league player I’ve seen. 2nd the great Nathan Pond at Bamber Bridge. Good luck on your next adventure Clayton, you will always be The Don.
@ChrisMaddison13: Incredible signing.
@gasheads47: Looks like I guessed right then could get us a few goals next season
@turnstilesuk1: Thanks for a memorable season and some stunning goals along the way…. Good luck in your next move 💙
@FarsleyMatt: Good signing . Welcome to the mad house
@SameliteCH4: Always manage to bag a decent striker this lot ! 🙀
@TompfOwen: The undisputed GOAT
@lewis__lufc: hahahahahaha no fucking way
@Steady2192: Good signing that!
@Trappsradio: Top signing that! Goal machine
@IanJones_16: We’re all Farsley aren’t we? 🤩
@marcmurley: Things you love to see 💚🤍
@danshaw88: Aaah disappointed for Trinity. Hard to replace his goals
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