Player Interview: Donaldson Does The Business
Losing a goalkeeper of John Campbell's calibre would probably affect most teams in Highland League circles and it was with a hint of fear and trepidation that Nairn made the trip to Huntly minus the consistent ex-Hibernian shot stopper. But the truth is, County can almost afford to do without their number one and still be successful.
Deputy Callum Donaldson proved on Saturday what many fans have thought for years - he CAN do it at Highland League level. It shows Nairn have an embarrassment of riches in the goalkeeping department
It's been a frustrating time of late for the 23-year-old shot stopper. Sitting on the sidelines while Campbell excelled week-in, week-out meant Donaldson's chances at Station Park have been limited but when he was thrust into the limelight at Huntly, he grabbed his chance with both hands.
It was fitting that the goalkeeper got his chance at Christie Park, as Huntly's ground was the venue for his debut as a raw 16-year-old over five years ago. Now the man from Carrbridge has come full circle in his development and is ready to stake a claim for the gloves on a permanent basis.
It has been a rollercoaster few years for Donaldson, defined by several spells out on loan in the junior ranks. After his debut in 2003 in that 4-3 defeat at Huntly, the goalkeeper was loaned to Nairn St Ninian for a year. The following season - after the arrival of Les Fridge as manager - Donaldson was out on loan again, this time at his local club Strathspey Thistle. Although it was supposed to be for the season, he was called back after only a few months to provide cover for Jim Calder following the release of Michael Rae.
However, last season saw Donaldson farmed out to Strathspey for the season again and he returned in the summer ready to stake a serious claim. Now he has gained a chance after Campbell's injury at Fraserburgh and a confident and imposing display will have done his chances of establishing himself no harm at all.
After the full time whistle had blown at Christie Park, Nairn County FC Online caught up with the goalkeeper who was delighted to have played his part in the victory. He said: "I made my debut here when I was 16 so it's been nice to come back and get the win. I've been waiting for my chance and the gaffer has been dead honest with me. He said to keep plugging away and I would get my chance and he has kept his word so a lot of thanks goes to him. A lot of thanks also goes to John (Campbell) because he's great in training and in the warm up on matchdays.
He added: "It's great to be with JC (John Campbell) and he is one of my good mates. I believe I'm good enough to be playing Highland League and I wouldn't be here if I didn't. In all honesty, I still believe I'm good enough to be playing for Rangers! Everybody has a pipe dream but it is great working with John. He's one of my good friends and a fantastic goalkeeper. He has had a little run of bad luck recently and unfortunately that is what it takes for me to get my chance and that's football. But it's been brilliant to get in today and I'm just delighted."
Donaldson looked a completely different player from the one who made his debut back in 2002. Despite an early slip taking a free kick, it was a solid performance from the goalkeeper. Comparing the two games, he said: "There was a bit of deja vu today because I slipped on my first kick then as well. But it was great to come back here and get the shout. I'm delighted with the three points and delighted just to be playing to be honest because at this level, everybody wants to be playing."
Although he wasn't overly tested in terms of dealing with shots at goal, there was a lot of crossballs that Donaldson had to come and claim, and claim them he did. He said: "I've been playing a lot of junior football so a lot of thanks has to go to Strathspey Thistle. You have to put yourself about at that level or you'll be in the back of the net but I'm a big boy and I was happy to put myself about early on and I don't think anyone came near me in the second half. It's the same with anyone at the back - you have to put yourself about and I'll always look to do that but I'm not going to go out to foul guys."
There was also praise from Donaldson for the defence who looked solid throughout and defended well in numbers to snuff out any danger which came their way. "The back four were absolutely brilliant," Donaldson said. "Bobo (Martin MacDonald) and Bobo (Stephen) Skinner were fantastic and Gary Black was magnificent. I thought he was the best player on the park today.
He added: "I only had to come for about two crosses in the second half and it was a brilliant, digging performance. Everyone was up for it but for me it's just great to be playing. I've been sitting on the bench waiting for my chance and hopefully I can do enough to stay in the team and win loads more games. We've got Cove at home next week so why not? We've beaten Huntly and we should have beaten Fraserburgh so we have nothing to fear."
The goalkeeper also spoke of his close relationship with manager and former goalkeeper Les Fridge. "I have to give a big vote of thanks to Les," he said. "He has always been dead honest with me. We are well looked after and obviously in training, he has to do a lot with the outfield guys but he always makes sure we (the goalkeepers) get our bit. He is always talking to us with lots of advice and it is great to look up to someone like him because he has been there and done it in the game."
Looking to the future, a sustained run in the team is a top priority for Donaldson. He said: "I'm hoping for a run. All I can do is do my bit in training and hopefully get the shout on a Saturday. I was a bit nervous today to start with in all honesty. I had a couple of skewed kicks but now that my first game is under my belt, I'd be disappointed if I wasn't playing next week. But you never know because John is one of the best goalies in the Highland League so I'll take it on the chin if I am dropped. But as I say, hopefully I can keep playing."
There was no shortage of confidence and ambition from the man who has come through the youth ranks at Station Park. He declared: "We want to get Nairn up the league. I read today that 73 points is the maximum we can get this season and why not because I don't think there is anywhere that we can't win."
Having now proved he has the ability to match his obvious self-belief, Donaldson will now be hoping that manager Les Fridge shares his view that he is good enough to be the number one at Station Park for many years to come.