Welcome back, Kevin McDonald!

Welcome back, Kevin McDonald!

Kev McDonald is back

We are delighted to announce that Kevin McDonald has returned to the club on a short-term deal until January, subject to EFL approval.

Kev, 36 has been training with City after leaving Bradford City at the end of August, where he combined playing with a short role as caretaker manager.

Kevin returns to City after a successful spell in 2023, where he joined the club in the January transfer window and would go on to make 11 appearances, scoring three times.

Image
Kev McDonald signs

Speaking about signing the deal, Kev said: "It feels good. I've trained here for a while to keep fit and it's great to be back.

"The squad is highly impressive and I'm comfortable with the environment. The squad have been great at welcoming me back. I loved my time here in 2023, which was a big reason why I came back to train here. 

"The standard and quality within the team is high and there is no limit as the manager has said previously. I've been impressed in training with the younger lads and the senior lads and the intensity and development has been good to see.

"It's a club that is on the up and hopefully I can continue to help with that."

A big part of the reason for Kev's role is that he can play a big part in the mentoring of City's younger players such as Jake Richards - something Kev is delighted to undertake:

"It was a conversation I had with the manager and it's something I like to be involved with as I'm naturally vocal on the pitch. If I can use this to help support Jake and the younger players then I'm delighted to.

"I still feel i've got a lot to offer as a player and until I feel that has gone I'm excited to still be a player and this role is the best of both worlds."

Image
Kev celebrates

Speaking about offering Kev a deal, manager Gary Caldwell said: "Kev has been with us for a few months now working hard and getting fit. 

"We felt like it was an opportunity to get him in on a more permanent basis - it's only short term, but we felt like getting him as part of the squad because of the level he has shown everyday.

"There are other roles in mind in terms of leadership and mentoring players like Jake Richards. Kev's character and everything he brings to the club is first class.

"Kev raises the standard of training with his quality and experience and we feel he can provide competition, he needs to get some games under his belt and we will look to get him minutes in the Premier League Cup games, with an eye on mentoring Jake Richards similar to what David Perkins did earlier in the season.

"He has played at a really high level and still has a lot to offer. His experience with Bradford will be beneficial. He is someone I have huge respect for and we will assess in January to see if we can extend the deal."

Welcome back, Kev!