Kevin McDonald

Kevin was born, and grew up in Carnoustie.

He signed for Dundee as a youth and played for the U17’s, before making the step up to the first team in the 2005-2006 season. He rapidly made a name for himself, and in June 2006 Celtic tried to take him to Parkhead. A bid of £75,000 was swiftly rejected.

Two years later Burnley put in a bid of £250,000, this too was rejected. Their second bid of £500,000 proved successful, and Kevin headed to Turf Moor on a three year deal. Interest had also been shown from other clubs, including West Bromwich, Crystal Palace and Plymouth.

Dundee F.C. manager, Alex Rae, commented  “I was getting phone calls from bigger clubs than Burnley and it’s disappointing that the agent doesn’t even bother weighing up all the options.”

The Burnley manager, Owen Coyle, was keen to have got his man, stating “I have known Kevin since he made his debut at 16, when he played against my team, St Johnstone.”

Everything went well at his new club, until a 6-1 defeat against Manchester City in 2010. After being substituted McDonald left the stadium without permission. Things between the player and club soured, and a few months later he moved to Scunthorpe Utd on loan, followed by a succession of moves around England, the longest being with Fulham (2016-2021).

Kevin had to sit out season 2020-21, due to a career threatening illness, he had suffered from kidney disease from the age of 18, and in April 2021 received a kidney transplant.

He left Craven Cottage at the end of his contract, and returned to Scotland, training with Dundee United, and signed a short term contract with them. After that he had short spells with Bradford and Exeter.

Whilst at Dens Park, McDonald was selected for Scotland U19’s, playing one match, and the U21’s, four matches. Gordon Strachan selected him for the senior squad in 2014, and he went on to gain another four caps.