Clayton Donaldson polarizes opinions amongst Birmingham City supporters. Some claim he is the pinnacle of much of what the team do in an attacking sense whereas the others claim he’s bumbling and dysfunctional and doesn’t contribute much. I sit in the middle.
What cannot be argued, though, is the fact that Blues rarely win matches when Donaldson isn’t on the pitch.
Last season, his injury coincided with Blues’ downturn in form. Currently, he’s sidelined again after picking up an injury against Ipswich Town, Blues’ last win.
In 2014/15, The Don scored 16 Championship goals after signing from Brentford on a free transfer – it looked to be an absolute steel. Last term, he contributed 11 goals despite missing seven weeks of the season. His tally this season is six in 18 Championship appearances.
Donaldson’s hold up play is outstanding, as is his work rate. However, he’s nearly 33 years old and it seems as if Gary Rowett’s insistence on him playing for 90 minutes week after week is catching up with the Jamaican international.
Gianfranco Zola is yet to have the privilege of having Donaldson available for selection, or even watching him play. Blues clearly need another striker but whether Zola is waiting for Donaldson to return or actively seeking to bring a new face in remains unknown.
And actually, does Donaldson have a part to play in Zola’s team? Seeing what he can do when the ball is on the deck will be an interesting spectacle. Up to now, the majority of Donaldson’s time at Blues has been looking up to the ball as it’s dropping out of the sky. I wonder if the change in style will bring the best out of him once again.
Blues fans – would you like to see Donaldson back in a Blues shirt? Let us know in the comments section below.
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