From midfield general to future gaffer? In conversation with Kevin McDonald

Kevin McDonald is a man who has done it all. He’s played in all four tiers of English football, featured in the top two divisions in Scotland, won five caps for his country, and even had a taste of life in the dugout during a brief spell as Bradford City’s caretaker manager.

And yet, despite a career spanning over 15 years and more than 580 senior appearances, there’s something about Exeter City that keeps pulling him back.

McDonald recently sat down with SkyBet, where he reflected on his journey, his role as a leader at Exeter, and what the future might hold. He also took on some burning Exeter Today questions - from why St James Park will always feel like home, to what it’s really like playing under Gary Caldwell.

The 36-year-old has signed on until the end of the season, returning to St James Park in November after a short spell at Bradford. It marks his second stint with the Grecians, having first arrived in January 2023, when he played 11 games and scored three goals.

But Exeter isn’t just another club on his CV - it’s a place tied to some of his most significant personal moments.

“I scored my first goal after a kidney transplant here,” he says. “And I became a dad here. It’s a special place for me.”

Some players talk about clubs with a sense of obligation; McDonald talks about Exeter with genuine warmth. Maybe it’s because of the way the club operates, maybe it’s the fans, or maybe it’s because, at this stage of his career, he’s finally found a place where everything just fits.

“Exeter City is a unique club, especially in the way it’s run as a fan-owned club,” he explains.

“When you sign as a player, you quickly learn what the club stands for – you get the full picture of its background. It’s a special place where the whole community works together toward a common goal – winning football matches.

“It’s different from anywhere else I’ve been, in a really positive way, and I’ve always said that since arriving.”

A leader on and off the pitch

McDonald is no longer the young playmaker dictating games in the Premier League with Fulham or helping Wolves to promotion from the Championship. These days, he’s just as valuable off the pitch as he is on it, with Exeter boss Gary Caldwell bringing him back to mentor the club’s younger midfielders.

“Kev is a fantastic influence on the squad and brings a lot of experience to the team,” says Caldwell.

“We brought him in to mentor our younger midfielders, and Jake [Richards] has had his best spell at the club since Kev has been with us.

“When called upon to play, we have won both matches he’s started, so he’s still got a lot to offer as a player.”

His role is evolving. Once the man relied on to dictate play, he is now just as important in shaping the next generation, offering guidance in a way that feels natural to him. You don’t play over 500 professional games without picking up a thing or two along the way, and Exeter’s younger players are benefitting.

Mic’d up McDonald? Maybe not

That said, while he’s become a guiding presence, don’t expect him to take a gentle, softly-softly approach during matches. McDonald is vocal, he’s direct, and he makes himself heard. But would he ever let the world listen in?

“I’m not sure that would be a wise decision [to mic me up for a game!]” he laughs.

“I’m not the type to constantly hammer people or shout at referees, but I am vocal on the pitch. Especially with the way football is going these days, it’s all about being encouraging and positive.

“It’s a big shift from when I was younger – back then, as a young player, you’d just get absolutely battered, and that was that.

“Mic’ing me up would definitely give an interesting insight, but I don’t think it would be too bad!”

You get the feeling there might be a few words in there that wouldn’t make the final edit.

Thriving under Gary Caldwell

If there’s a key reason McDonald returned to Exeter, it’s Gary Caldwell. Having played under a variety of managers in his career, McDonald has nothing but admiration for the man in charge at St James Park.

“I’ve always had a lot of time for the manager, both as a person and as a coach.

“His man-management skills are ideal for me, and he gets his ideas across on the pitch really well.

“Tactically, he’s one of the best managers I’ve worked with – he has a clear understanding of how he wants his team to play and set up.

“It’s an attractive style of football, and I really enjoy working with him.

“There’s a reason I came back for a second spell, and that’s down to both the manager and the club itself. He’s had a huge impact on the latter stage of my career.”

Caldwell has created an environment where players know exactly what is expected of them, and McDonald is thriving in it.

Could McDonald move into management?

At this point in his career, it’s hard not to wonder: is McDonald heading towards a managerial future himself? He’s already had a brief taste of life in the dugout during his caretaker spell at Bradford, and everything about his current role - his influence in the dressing room, his mentoring of younger players, his vocal leadership - suggests he’s being moulded for a future on the touchline.

He’s played for managers with contrasting styles, from the old-school disciplinarians to the modern tacticians, and has enough experience to know what works and what doesn’t. Could we see him take charge one day? Maybe even at Exeter?

“He demands a certain standard, as all managers should. No stone is left unturned when it comes to preparing his team for match day,” McDonald says of Caldwell, but he might as well be describing the kind of manager he could one day become.

“If standards fall short, he’s the first to call it out, but on the flip side, when things are going well and we’re training well, he’s always encouraging.

“He was known for being a leader during his playing days, and he’s clearly carried that into coaching – everyone buys into it. A huge part of football is players believing in a manager, and he’s got that balance spot on.

“He prefers a calm approach but isn’t afraid to let loose when needed. He’s definitely a manager you don’t want to get on the wrong side of, and I wouldn’t fancy being on the wrong side of it.”

It sounds a lot like the way McDonald already carries himself as a player.

Exeter still feels like home

For now, though, McDonald is focused on the present. Exeter isn’t just a club to him - it’s a place that has defined some of the biggest moments in his life. The connection runs deeper than just football.

The Grecians’ squad is heading in the right direction, the club’s identity remains strong, and the fans continue to back the team. His second spell here already looks set to be just as memorable as his first.

But whenever McDonald does decide to hang up his boots, you wouldn’t bet against him swapping the pitch for the dugout. And if that day comes, don’t be surprised if Exeter City plays a part in it.