Former Newcastle United and Hartlepool United midfielder Ryan Donaldson has joined Northern Premier League club Morpeth Town.
The former Pools captain left Victoria Park earlier this week after helping Dave Challinor’s side end their four-year absence from the Football League with a dramatic National League promotion final win against Torquay United.
Donaldson will now move into the semi-professional game with the Highwaymen and joins former Hartlepool team-mate Liam Noble at Craik Park.
After putting pen-to-paper on a contract, Donaldson explained that Morpeth’s ambitions and the lure of a coaching role in the club’s new academy were key factors in his decision.
He said: “The way it has been going over the last few years and the things that are set in place here at Morpeth, we have scope to really push on to become another club in the North East that is up there with best of the North East non-league teams.
“I wanted to get into the coaching side, either at Hartlepool or if I left there.
“When I got to 30, I knew I wanted to start coaching and I’ve known academy director Nicky Gray for a few years so I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of it.
“With the academy starting this year at Morpeth, it aligned perfectly with my football journey. I wasn’t sure how full-time football and the academy coaching was going to work together.
“It’s the continuation of my footballing journey and it’s a great place to start my coaching. I just felt combining coaching and playing at an ambitious club was the perfect time to start something fresh.”
Donaldson could be handed a first appearance in a Morpeth shirt on Saturday when they make the trip to Dunston UTS.
Highwaymen manager Stephen Turnbull is relishing the prospect of working with another high-calibre signing as he prepares for his second season in charge at Craik Park.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign Ryan.
“Every non-league club in the North would have fancied him.
“He is another player that brings a lot of experience.
“I’ve spoken to players he’s played with and coaches he’s played for and they all say what a good lad he is, a model professional.
“He will be a top top player this season, and I’m really looking forward to working with him and welcoming him into the group.”
Do you want an exclusive pre-season Newcastle United preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.
