Key Highlights :
Former York City striker Clayton Donaldson has taken his first step into management, taking a dual role at Vanarama National League North side Farsley Celtic. Donaldson was unveiled as a Farsley player just over a week ago, despite former York manager Russ Wilcox departing the club.
Donaldson has now been announced as Wilcox’s replacement, signing on in a dual role as a player and head coach of Farsley. Donaldson will be joined by Danny Ellis, Tom Morgan and another member of staff who is yet to be announced.
The 39-year-old made 118 appearances across two spells with York, and earned promotion back to the Vanarama National League in 2022. Speaking on the appointment, Farsley chairman Paul Barthorpe said: “Following the departure of our manager, we took the decision to change our management structure from the traditional first team manager and assistant manager, to a more progressive and flexible head coach and assistant coach model supported by a director of football.
“We wanted to appoint a young dynamic management team, with hunger, drive and a real passion for the challenge at Farsley, who have knowledge and understanding of the latest tactics, methodologies, training techniques and technologies as well as a good knowledge of non-league football, an extensive contact list in the game and who have the ability to not only attract players but to get the best out of them.
“As the recruitment process began, it quickly became apparent that we had individuals with all of these qualities in abundance already at the club. It is difficult to not be hugely impressed by Clayton, and Tom, simply by speaking to them, their passion, knowledge of the game and it’s constituent components and their ability to articulate it frankly blew the board away.”
Donaldson's move to Farsley marks his first step into management, and he will be hoping to make the most of his experience in the game. Donaldson has played for a number of clubs throughout his career, including Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Hibernian and Bradford City.
His most recent spell was with York City, where he made 118 appearances across two spells, and helped the Minstermen gain promotion back to the Vanarama National League in 2022.
Donaldson will be looking to use his experience in the game to help Farsley to a successful season, and will be hoping to emulate his success with York.
Another former City striker has made a move, with Kurt Willoughby set to play in the National League next season. Willoughby has joined Oldham Athletic, becoming their second signing of the Summer. The 25-year-old netted 20 goals in the National League North last season for Chester, earning himself a move up to the fifth tier.
His spell with Chester came after a second City stint, having made four appearances for York in 2020, before playing for the Minstermen in a permanent spell in the 2021/22 season and helping York to gain promotion to the National League. Willoughby netted seven goals in the 2021/22 season.
With Donaldson and Willoughby both taking steps into management and playing in higher divisions, it is clear that York City have a strong reputation for producing talented players. Both Donaldson and Willoughby have the ability to make a real impact in their new roles, and it will be interesting to see how they both fare in the coming season.