Clayton Donaldson was announced as Bolton’s third summer signing last night – joining Jason Lowe and Erhun Oztumer in Bolton’s incomings.
The experienced (read ‘old’) striker joins after a single season at Sheffield United, where he scored five goals as back-up to Billy Sharp and Leon Clarke. At 34, he is still younger than Aaron Wilbraham and has been brought in for pretty much the same role, a target man who will be used as back up. Another striker will almost certainly be brought in who will be ahead of him in the pecking order, so for a free transfer, it’s not the worst signing in the world if not necessarily an exciting one either.
Four years ago, Donaldson might have been a really shrewd signing, getting into double figures in terms of goals scored with Birmingham. But in the last two to three seasons he hasn’t played football with the same regularity, and the Jamaican international will probably have to make do with the same role here.
“It’s been very quick the way it has happened, but I’m happy it’s happened,” Donaldson said.
What will he bring?
“Experience, goals. Helping the team. I just can’t wait to get started now.” Not particularly insightful, but there you go.
You can see some of his goals in the video below. I’ll reserve judgement until he scores against Forest on the last day of the season.