CLAYTON Donaldson has been unveiled as the new player/head coach at Farsley Celtic.

The former Bantams striker will be assisted by Danny Ellis, Tom Morgan and another still be officially announced.

The 39-year-old scored 22 goals for Gainsborough Trinity last season in the Northern Premier League premier division - and intends to keep playing.

But that will be combined with his first coaching role after studying for his UEFA A licence.

Donaldson succeeds Russ Wilcox, who left the post last month. The Celts stayed up in the National League North by a point.

Farsley chairman Paul Barthorpe told the club website: “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.

“It was also important that they held the relevant coaching badges, preferably an A licence coaching badge, and ideally still playing the game to be able to bridge the gap between the players and management team creating a tight close group, as has been synonymous at Farsley in recent years.

“We have learnt from our previous appointment from within the club, and we are thoroughly convinced that Clayton is the right man for the job.

“He is a very talented coach, and I expect big things from him in the years to come.”

Donaldson cannot wait to get started in the hot-seat.

He said: “This is something I’ve been working towards in the latter stages of my playing career by doing my coaching badges and being more involved in the management side of things while being at York City and Gainsborough Trinity, where we finished in the play-offs on both occasions.

“Now it’s my turn to take the wheel and steer Farsley Celtic towards a successful future.

“The recruitment has been really good and the squad really excites me. Now it’s just a case of getting the best out of them.”