Harry McDonald


Harry McDonald was an English, retired professional footballer who played in the Football League for Crystal Palace as a defender. He also played non-league football for Ashton United, Kettering Town and Gravesend and Northfleet.

Playing career

McDonald began his playing career with Ashton United and did not enter the professional game until the relatively late age of 24. He was signed for Crystal Palace in September 1950, by then manager, Ronnie Rooke. and made his debut in a 5–0 away defeat to Bournemouth on 14 October. McDonald made only 12 appearances that season, but over the subsequent four Division Three South seasons, became a regular in the side making a total of 146 appearances, scoring one goal against Northampton Town in September 1954.
At the end of that season McDonald moved back into non-league football with Kettering Town and subsequently played for Gravesend and Northfleet. At Gravesend, McDonald made a total of 324 appearances and helped the club win the Southern League title.
Harry McDonald died in 2004, aged 77 or 78.