McDonald Heads For The Palace
The 39-year old will move to Selhurst Park to assist Iain Dowie as the Eagles look to make a swift return to the Premiership at the first attempt having cruelly been demoted back to the Championship last month.
McDonald previously snubbed an approach by Palace when Dowie left Oldham Athletic towards the end of the 2003-2004 season, but now the Geordie feels that the time is right for a new challenge.
McDonald previously snubbed an approach by Palace when Dowie left Oldham Athletic towards the end of the 2003-2004 season, but now the Geordie feels that the time is right for a new challenge.
"The timing wasn't right before, but Iain's come back in for me and offered me a fantastic opportunity to become his assistant manager, which I've accepted," McDonald told the Bolton Evening News.
"Sometimes you just know when it's right to move on and this time it's right for me. I'm leaving the club in a great position, having played a part in helping them qualify for Europe for the first time in their history, but it's time to experience something new."
The former Wanderers, Everton and Newcastle full back has enjoyed what he describes as a fantastic second spell with the club, and is confident that Sam Allardyce will successfully fill the void vacated by his shock departure to South London.
"It's been a fantastic experience, a fantastic joy ride for the last five years with Bolton but now I'm looking forward to a new challenge."
"I'm sure Sam (Allardyce) will do exactly what he's done before in bringing in the right people, Obviously, I wish him and the players all the best."