Clayton Donaldson

Clayton Donaldson

Donaldson in 2010
Personal information
Full name	Clayton Andrew Donaldson
Date of birth	(1984-02-07) 7 February 1984
Place of birth	Bradford, England
Height
Position(s)	Striker
Team information
Current team	Birmingham City
Number	9
Youth career
0000–2000	Bradford City
2000–2002	Hull City
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2002–2005	Hull City	2	(0)
2002–2003	→ Harrogate Town (loan)	6	(2)
2003	→ Scarborough (loan)	2	(0)
2004	→ Halifax Town (loan)	4	(0)
2004	→ Harrogate Town (loan)	8	(3)
2005–2007	York City	85	(41)
2007–2008	Hibernian	18	(5)
2008–2011	Crewe Alexandra	117	(47)
2011–2014	Brentford	136	(46)
2014–	Birmingham City	86	(26)
International career‡
2006–2007	England National Game XI	2	(0)
2015–	Jamaica	5	(2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:23, 7 May 2016 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 06:31, 28 May 2016 (UTC)

Clayton Andrew Donaldson (born 7 February 1984) is a Jamaican international footballer who plays as a striker for Championship club Birmingham City.

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 team 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. He 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.

Early life

Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Donaldson grew up in Manningham and attended Manningham Middle School and Rhodesway School. He played football for his school side 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. He was soon signed by Hull City, having been spotted by their youth team coach Billy Russell.

Club career

Hull City

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. He was sent out on loan to Northern Premier League Premier Division club Harrogate Town in November 2002, 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 five 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. Two days later, he signed a two-year professional contract with Hull. He made one further appearance in the 2002–03 season, as a substitute away to Boston United.

In August 2003, Donaldson joined Football Conference side Scarborough on a one-month loan. 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. On his return to Hull he made two further appearances, both as a substitute in the Football League Trophy, before joining Football Conference club Halifax Town on a one-month loan in February 2004. Having made his debut as a 58th-minute substitute for Jake Sagare in a 2–0 away defeat at Margate on 8 February 2004, Donaldson finished his spell at Halifax with four appearances. With little prospect of a first team place at Hull, he rejoined Harrogate on a one-month loan in September 2004, and scored in the 18th minute of his second debut for the club, a 3–0 home win over Lancaster City on 18 September. He was voted the Conference North Player of the Month for October 2004, having scored three goals from five games in that period. His second loan spell with Harrogate ended having scored four goals from 11 appearances. At the end of the 2004–05 season, Donaldson was released by Hull, as manager Peter Taylor was unable to guarantee him first team football.

York City

After his release by Hull, Donaldson was spoken to by Barrow, but was eventually signed by York City in 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 for the team against Crawley Town in August. His first goal came in a 1–0 win against Cambridge United in September. During his first season with York, Donaldson scored 18 goals and was awarded the Clubman of the Year award before the final game of the season against Hereford United on 29 April 2006. He agreed a contract extension with York for the 2006–07 season in July.

Donaldson playing for York City in 2007

York manager McEwan compared Donaldson to Paulo Wanchope in September, but following York's 2–0 defeat against Oxford United later that month, McEwan criticised Donaldson's selfishness in attack, saying it cost them the game. In late 2006, Donaldson became subject of much transfer speculation. Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy watched him in York's 1–0 victory over Altrincham, during which he scored his 12th goal of the season, in November 2006. He was also watched by Scottish Premier League side 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".

Donaldson playing for York City in 2007

On 18 December 2006, he rejected the offer of a new contract at York City, meaning he would be out of contact at the club at the end of the season. 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 bid from Accrington Stanley for Donaldson was rejected in January, 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 games following his 51st-minute sending off for using his elbow in York's 2–1 defeat at 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. Hibernian announced that Donaldson had signed a pre-contract agreement with them for a three-year contract on 29 January 2007, and 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 boss 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 deal in Scotland so York would not receive any compensation were "not the case".

Donaldson was to return from his suspension for York's reserves against Sheffield United at Bootham Crescent on 6 February 2007, but the game was frozen off, and he eventually returned against Altrincham. His first goal for York since his suspension came against Cambridge United, scoring a hat-trick on 13 March 2007. He insisted he remained fully committed to York, after speculation concerning his commitment grew in April. He finished the 2006–07 season with 26 goals for York, including 24 in the Conference National, resulting in him being third top scorer of the league.

Hibernian

Donaldson scored his first goal for Hibernian in a pre-season friendly against Brechin City on 10 July 2007. He made his Scottish Premier League debut against Hibs' rivals Hearts in August 2007 and his first league goal came against Falkirk in September, after winning and scoring a penalty. Donaldson was later sent off in this match, which resulted in a suspension. His first game back was against Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup, who he scored against, after a solo run and shot. He scored his first hat-trick for Hibs against Kilmarnock in the SPL later that month.

He was linked with a move to League One side Crewe Alexandra in February 2008, after being unable to figure in Mixu Paatelainen's plans at the club, meaning he was frozen out of the first-team at Hibs. He finished the 2007–08 season with 21 appearances and 6 goals, with his last goal of the season coming against Falkirk in December 2007. Darlington of League Two were believed to be interested in signing Donaldson after the end of the season. He was eventually told that he was available for transfer by Hibs. Crewe were believed to be lining up a bid for him in July, 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.

Crewe Alexandra

Donaldson's move to League One side Crewe Alexandra was completed on 18 August 2008 on a three-year deal for an undisclosed six-figure fee. The contract could not be signed until international clearance was given from the Scottish Football Association, which was received on 22 August 2008. He made his debut as an 81st-minute substitute in a 2–1 victory against Walsall on 23 August 2008. Donaldson's former club York made an attempt to re-sign him on loan in October 2008, but were told to make an inquiry four weeks later, due to him being injured. Despite this, he came on as a substitute in Crewe's 3–0 defeat to Scunthorpe on 11 October 2008, which was followed by his first start in a 2–2 draw with Milton Keynes Dons. He scored his first Crewe goals with a brace against Huddersfield Town in November, in a match that eventually finished as a 3–2 defeat. He scored the winner in Crewe's next game, an FA Cup first round tie against Ebbsfleet United, which saw them progress with a 1–0 victory. 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 victory over Scunthorpe, where 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 the 2008–09 season. Donaldson finished the season with 43 appearances and 7 goals.

He broke his fibula during August 2009, which resulted in him being ruled out of playing for eight weeks. He finished the 2009–10 season with 39 appearances and 13 goals. His first appearance of the 2010–11 season came in the opening game, a 1–0 defeat to Hereford on 7 August 2010, with his first goals coming after scoring twice in a 7–0 victory over Barnet on 21 August. He finished the season with 48 appearances and 29 goals, including 28 goals in the league, making him League Two's top goalscorer.

Brentford

Donaldson playing for Brentford in 2014

Donaldson signed a three-year contract with League One club Brentford on a free transfer on 1 July 2011. He was named Brentford's Player of the Year for the 2012–13 season, in which he scored 24 goals from 56 appearances. After helping Brentford gain promotion into the Championship in the 2013–14 season as League One runners-up, manager Mark Warburton confirmed that Donaldson would be offered a new deal with the club.

Birmingham City

Donaldson turned down Brentford's contract offer, and signed a two-year deal 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 in the League Cup, and collected Wes Thomas's through ball to run on and score in a draw with Ipswich Town on 19 August. Although attracting praise for his general play, Donaldson was disappointed with his lack of goals; by the end of October, he had added only one more.

A change of management and change of formation – Gary Rowett preferred to play Donaldson as a lone striker – brought 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 brace in a 3–1 win at 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 target – he finished with 16 in all competitions, 15 in the league, – but his efforts for the team were recognised with both Players' Player and Supporters' Player of the Season awards.

In the first month of the 2015–16 season, Donaldson provided four assists for teammates but did not score himself. At home to Bristol City on 12 September, he completed a first-half hat-trick; the match ended 4–2. His fifth goal of the season came in a 5–2 win at Fulham on 7 November, the last match before he made his international debut for Jamaica. He returned with a groin injury that was predicted to keep him out for six weeks. Rowett suggested the damage could have been less serious had Donaldson not played the whole match despite being obviously unfit, but Jamaica coach Winfried Schäfer denied the accusations, stating that he had wanted to substitute Donaldson but the player insisted on continuing. He returned to first-team action on 26 December, as a late substitute with Birmingham already 3–0 down at Sheffield Wednesday.

International career

Donaldson was named in the England National Game XI team, who represent England at non-League level, in October 2005, for a European Challenge Trophy game against Belgium. He was named in the initial 35-man squad for the Four Nations Tournament in May 2006. He was named in the initial 22-man squad, then eventually in the final 16-man squad for the team to play the Netherlands in November. He made his debut in this match, coming on as a substitute in the last 15 minutes, during which he set up Dagenham & Redbridge striker Craig Mackail-Smith for the final goal in a 4–1 victory.

"I thought I had a decent chance of starting so I was a bit disappointed when the side was named but really I was just happy to be there because I've missed out on the final squad a few times. The manager (Paul Fairclough) had also seen the other strikers play before but had never seen me play so he was only going on what scouts told him, but I got a winners' medal from the tournament and an England cap, which I was delighted with and I hope there's more to come."

– Donaldson on his inclusion to the team.

He was included in the squad which played Northern Ireland in February 2007. However, York manager Billy McEwan contemplated withdrawing Donaldson from the game, after Donaldson's comeback for York against Altrincham in February. He eventually featured after being played from the start 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.

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 World Cup qualifiers in November 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.

Personal life

His brother, Jahsiah Donaldson, signed schoolboy forms with Leeds United in July 2008.

Career statistics

Club

Donaldson playing for Birmingham City in 2015

As of match played 7 May 2016

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Hull City	2002–03	Third Division	2	0	—		0	0	1	1	3	1
	2003–04	Third Division	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0
	2004–05	League One	0	0	—		0	0	—		0	0
	Total		2	0	0	0	0	0	3	1	5	1
Harrogate Town (loan)	2002–03	NPL Premier Division	6	2	—		—				6	2
Scarborough (loan)	2003–04	Football Conference	2	0	—		—		—		2	0
Halifax Town (loan)	2003–04	Football Conference	4	0	—		—		0	0	4	0
Harrogate Town (loan)	2004–05	Conference North	8	3	2	1	—		1	0	11	4
York City	2005–06	Conference National	42	17	2	1	—		1	0	45	18
	2006–07	Conference National	43	24	2	1	—		3	1	48	26
	Total		85	41	4	2	—		4	1	93	44
Hibernian	2007–08	Scottish Premier League	18	5	1	0	2	1	—		21	6
Crewe Alexandra	2008–09	League One	37	6	3	1	1	0	2	0	43	7
	2009–10	League Two	37	13	1	0	1	0	0	0	39	13
	2010–11	League Two	43	28	1	0	2	0	2	1	48	29
	Total		117	47	5	1	4	0	4	1	130	49
Brentford	2011–12	League One	46	11	2	0	1	0	2	0	51	11
	2012–13	League One	44	18	7	4	1	0	4	2	56	24
	2013–14	League One	46	17	2	1	0	0	0	0	48	18
	Total		136	46	11	5	2	0	6	2	155	53
Birmingham City	2014–15	Championship	46	15	0	0	2	1	—		48	16
	2015–16	Championship	40	11	0	0	1	0	—		41	11
	Total		86	26	0	0	3	1	—		89	27
Career total			464	170	23	9	11	2	18	5	516	186

International

As of match played 28 May 2016

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Jamaica	2015	2	1
	2016	3	1
Total		5	2

International goals

As of match played 28 May 2016. Jamaica score listed first, score column indicates score after each Donaldson goal.

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref
1	17 November 2015	Stade Sylvio Cator, Port-au-Prince, Haiti	2	Haiti	1–0	1–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
2	28 May 2016	Estadio Sausalito, Viña del Mar, Chile	5	Chile	1–0	1–2	Friendly

Honours

Brentford

• Football League One runner-up: 2013–14

Individual

• York City Clubman of the Year: 2005–06
• Brentford Player of the Year: 2012–13

External links

• Clayton Donaldson profile at Birmingham City F.C.
• Clayton Donaldson career statistics at Soccerbase