Over the past week there have been growing rumours that Brentford striker Clayton Donaldson looks set to leave Griffin park for Birmingham City when he returns from Honeymoon next week.
Brentford had offered their out of contract top scorer improved terms but it now seems inevitable that he will leave, with a medical at St Andrews pencilled in over the next few days.
Donaldson is now 30, and it’s quite possible that a move further North would suit his new married life – and it’s equally possible that Birmingham have offered him better terms than The Bees, paritcularly now that the cash draining Nikola Zigic is off their wage bill.
Donaldon’s departure is definitely a blow for Brentford as he has represented both a significant attacking threat as well as an “escape ball” during his time in West London. That said, some supporters had already voiced doubts at his ability to step up a level, where his variable quality of finishing will prove more apparent.
I’d also contend that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere – after a shaky start Brentford fans have taken Clayton to their hearts, respecting his work ethic and his ability to turn a match on it’s head with a trademark probing run. A similar “settling in period” may not be as forthcoming in the midlands at a club with big expecations but which also only narrowly avoided relegation last term.
It might even be worth Clayton putting a call in to Harry Forrester before he leaves (presuming that Harry’s mobile is working again, after a reported problematic period just prior to his own departure from The Bees). Forrester’s one season in the Championship was both dogged with injury and ultimately ended in relegation – the truth is that the only sustained patch of form he’s put together in his adult career has been at Brentford where he was supported and protected by the management team. I’d hate Clayton to face a similar fate.
For Brentford, Donaldson’s departure will open the door – and free up some wages – for other attacking talent. A reported £2m bid for Coventry’s Callum Wilson is already on the table, and Messrs Benham and Warburton will no doubt be opening their little black books to fill a position which is frankly cruical to get right in order to sustain success. Just ask the England team humbled by Luis Suarez last night.
If Clayton does depart then I, like many others, will wish him the best. He’s been our top scorer for two seasons and has worked his socks off for our team. I doubt we’d be in the Championship now if he’d not graced the red and white stripes.
Condorman
