Donovan started playing for Elland Athletic in the Halifax league as an 8-year old before he joined
Huddersfield Town, training at the centre of excellence, at 16 he became an apprentice and turned professional in October 1989. He joined
Halifax Town on loan during February and March 1992, before moving to
West Bromwich Albion and in the play-off final, in which Donovan netted the only goal of the game. However, Donovan failed to score a single goal in the following season for the club. Two more rather impressive seasons were spent at
Blundell Park before Donovan confirmed the Grimsby supporters' worst fears and left to join rivals
Barnsley. Donovan was snapped up by
Alan Buckley, who had managed him at West Brom and Grimsby, and gave him a one-year deal for
Rochdale His next port of call was at
Conference club
York City At York he linked up with former Grimsby teammate
Paul Groves, but neither really flourished. At the end of the season Donovan moved into the
Conference North, joining
Alfreton Town for a season before retiring from the game. ==Personal life==