Managerless Farsley Celtic have announced the signing of veteran 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 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. Donaldson joins the club just two days after boss Russ Wilcox quit The Citadel.
The player posted on social media this afternoon to confirm his departure from Gainsborough. He said: “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.”
In his first interview with Farsley’s club media Donaldson said he was drawn to the club’s vision for the future:
On the signing of Donaldson, head of football development 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 welcomed the signing. He added: “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.”
Lewis Turner re-signs
Right back Lewis Turner has become the first Farsley Celtic player put pen to paper on a new contract extension, the club also announced today.
Turner made 36 appearances in the 2022/23 season, scoring one goal, and signs on for another season at the Citadel.
The Leeds-born 30-year-old first joined Farsley in 2018 after moving from Harrogate Town on a free transfer. He then left for Matlock Town and had a spell with Scarborough Athletic before rejoining the Celts in 2021.
As of May 2023, Turner has made 148 appearances for Farsley.