Bees boss realistic over Donaldson deal

Manager Uwe Rosler has admitted that Clayton Donaldson’s decision on whether to sign a new deal is likely to depend on Brentford sustaining a promotion challenge

The popular striker’s contract is due to expire next summer and the club plan to open talks in the hope he will commit his future to them.

Donaldson, 29, told West London Sport last week that he would be happy to sit down and listen to what they have to say but he is keeping his options open as the end of his current deal approaches.

League One rivals Wolves expressed an interest in him last summer but were told he was not for sale and the Bees are intent on keeping him at Griffin Park.

And Rosler said: “We see very much that what happens with Clayton will depend on where we are next year in League One – whether we are challenging for promotion or we might make promotion.

“If we are, it makes it easier to speak to Clayton. He is 29, hitting 30, and we are Brentford and we have a certain pay structure. Some people maybe don’t believe that, but we have.

“We know what Clayton wants and Clayton knows what we want. He’s given us clear signals on what he would like to do and we’ve given him clear signals that we want to extend the contract.

“Nobody needs to be afraid that we’ve not spoken to Clayton. We’re in very good dialogue so I think we are in a win-win situation.”

Donaldson was the club’s top scorer last season, with 24 goals in all competitions, and he netted twice as Brentford thrashed Crewe on Saturday to take his tally for this term to nine.

“Clayton was one of my first signings. He has been performing for me now for two-and-a-half years,” Rosler added.

“Clayton likes it here and he knows what he gets in me. We carried him through difficult spells, like in the first season, and he repaid me with endless work-rate and goals.

“I appreciate him and I think he appreciates me and so there’s a big base to fulfil the working relationship.”

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