We have some big news that you will love: club legend Clayton Donaldson is back and this time he’s going to help develop the next generation of York talent. At 40 Donaldson’s long football career and his connection to York City made him the perfect choice for Head of Development where he will oversee a new development team next season.
Returns
Donaldson is a familiar face to York fans. With over 50 goals in his two spells with the club – including 8 goals in the 2021/22 season that helped York get promoted from the National League North – he’s already a club legend. Add to that his UEFA A Diploma (completed in October 2023) and he brings both experience and qualifications to the role.
In a return to York that’s almost too good to be true Donaldson said:
“To be back here… I’m over the moon. I’m a York City fan. York to me is like my second home. It’s the perfect fit and hopefully I can help other youngsters come through and start their journey here as well.”
A pathway for young players
York City’s new development team will be a mix of U19 players and first team players looking to stay sharp or get more game time. The aim is to provide a pathway for young players to get real game time and make their way into the first team. This development team will be a platform for young players to make their mark and it’s clear Donaldson’s experience is seen as the key to helping them get to the next level.
Co-chair Matt Uggla said:
“We’ve wanted to have a development team for ages. It’s taken longer than we thought but we feel we’re in a good position to launch next season. There’s still a lot to do but we think Clayton is the man for the job.”
A club wide initiative to support young players
Its not just about filling a position. Its part of a bigger picture the club is working on with the owners and Director of Football Tony McMahon. McMahon was thrilled about the development team and the club giving young players a real chance at first team football:
“Getting Clayton back in the club was massive. He’s not just a football man but a good man and that’s exactly what we want in this football club.”
With Manager Adam Hinshelwood’s history of playing young players in the first team this development team could be a big deal. McMahon sees it as a long term plan not just for developing talent but for building the squad for the future in a sustainable way:
“If we can give them a route to the first team it saves us money in the long term. But more than that its great for these young players to see they have a real chance here.”
Clayton’s next chapter: From scoring goals to coaching futures
After 24 years on the pitch Clayton is ready to pass on his knowledge and love of the game. Speaking about his transition from player to coach he said,
“I’ve been in football 24 years so it would be daft not to pass that experience on to the younger generation and help them find a route to the first team.”
With this in place York City are going to strengthen the team but also build a legacy where young players can dream big and see a way forward with the club. Fans will be watching closely as Clayton Donaldson and the new development team kick off in 2024 and bring York City FC into its next chapter.
