Outgoing Bradford City striker Clayton Donaldson has told the Telegraph and Argus that he was shocked to find out that the club would be releasing him at the end of the season. 

The Bradford born frontman scored seven goals in 41 appearances for his hometown club this season but was listed as one of the key names that would be leaving Valley Parade this summer by the Bantams as they announced their retained list ahead of the 2021/22 season.

This decision comes despite the veteran frontman having given the club a great amount of service over the past few years after dropping down the divisions in an attempt to try and get Bradford back up the leagues.

Now, Donaldson has opened up on the news of his departure and was quick to offer the following admission:

"I thought I’d probably done enough to get another year. It came as a bit of a shock, to be honest.

"But it’s most likely it had something to do with the management change. That probably didn’t help in my favour.

"The timing of all that wasn’t good but it was still a shock.

"But that’s football. You never know what’s round the corner.

"I’ve been involved in the game for so many years and you’re never surprised. You can’t be content and comfortable about things because it can always change so quickly.

"Life goes on but I’m still looking to carry on playing. That’s the next step now."

The striker originally joined the Bantams back in the summer of 2019 from Bolton Wanderers and went on to score 11 goals in just over 60 games for the fourth division side.

The Verdict 

Donaldson is now well into his late 30s and I think many will feel that isn't worth keeping on at his age, despite his admission that he was shocked to have been let go.

He only found the net on seven occasions for the Bantams this term and even though he wasn't a regular starter, he still contributed well at times.

His experience in the Football League speaks for itself and I do feel that he could still do a job at another League Two or National League side as he decides on his next move.

The stint at Bradford was short lived but I think most people would be crazy to write off a player who clearly believes in his own ability to play at the highest level that he possibly can.