IT WILL be a family affair for Clayton Donaldson when Brentford travel up to Bradford for Friday night’s FA Cup second round clash with the Bantams.
Donaldson was born and bred in the West Yorkshire city and could often be found on the Valley Parade terraces in his younger years.
The 28-year-old still has family and friends living in Bradford and they will be turning out in their droves in the hope of seeing the in-form striker hit the net.
He reached double figures for the season on Saturday against Sheffield United and has happy memories of scoring for Crewe on his return to Bradford in May 2011.
Donaldson was on the winning side that day and hopes for more of the same this evening as the Bees look to book their place in the third round and set up a possible clash with Premier League opposition.
“I was born in Bradford, it’s my hometown, so it will be very interesting,” said the striker.
“All of my family still live there and they’ll all be coming to the game and supporting me so I’m looking forward to it. I used to watch all the Bradford games when I was a kid. From the age of about nine, 10, 11, 12, I used to be a bit of a Bradford fan.
“We played them last year when I was at Crewe and it always makes it a little bit special because I have the connection with Bradford. I’ve got quite a few friends that still support the club and they will all be there too.
“A cup run is always good, not just for the players and the fans, but it can boost the club financially as well. It is always important to have a good run in the FA Cup for those reasons.”
Donaldson’s 10th of the season at Griffin Park on Saturday came as he partnered new loan signing Marcello Trotta from Martin Jol’s Fulham.
The Bees number nine has been impressed with his new strike partner and says the Italian is just what Brentford have been looking for.
“He is a good quality player and it is something that we needed,” added Donaldson.
“It’s always good to get players in from the Premier League and we’ve got quite a few injuries at the moment so it helps the squad. He has settled in well and it seems like he’s been here for months and not days.”
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