Crewe Alexandra have announced the signing of centre-back Rod McDonald - the club's fifth addition of the summer.

McDonald signed from Carlisle United yesterday (June 14), on a 12-month contract.

The 6'3" defender was born in Liverpool and signed for Manchester City academy in 2003.

He remained there for two years, before moving to Stoke City academy.

Rod Mcdonald playing for Carlisle United. He has signed on a one-year deal (Getty Images)

McDonald became a regular in Stoke's youth and reserves side but failed to make a first-team appearance.

The 30-year-old defender went out on loan to Nantwich Town in 2009, but was recalled by after just one appearance.

McDonald was then released by Stoke in 2010 and signed for Oldham Athletic on a one-year deal.

The League One club sent him on loan to Stafford Rangers and also back Nantwich - making a combined 17 appearances for both clubs.

Oldham released McDonald at the end of the one-year deal. He then joined Welsh side Colwyn Bay in the sixth tier.

McDonald will make his home debut for the Alex on August 6 - at home to Harrogate Town (Ryan Parker).

After four years of non-league football, McDonald finally made the step up to League Two - signing for Northampton Town in 2015.

The defender had impressed boss Chis Wilder enough to earn himself a 12-month deal and proved his worth.

McDonald went on to make 23 League Two appearances for the Cobblers in the first season, winning promotion to League One and earning a new contract.

The following season, McDonald struggled for game time in League One and departed to Coventry City in 2017 for an undisclosed fee.

McDonald signs just five days after Crewe officially started pre-season on Wednesday, June 22 (Crewe Alex).

He again proved his worth in League Two. McDonald made a career-high 37 league appearances, helping the Sky Blues earn promotion via the playoffs.

Following this promotion, McDonald was on the move again.

A switch to AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee saw him make 38 appearances in League One across two seasons.

McDonald then joined League Two side Carlisle United in 2020.

McDonald is Crewe's fifth signing - following the addition of Charlie Colkett earlier this month (Crewe Alex).

He made 60 appearances across the past two seasons, scoring once and helping his side remain in the Football League last season.

Following the end of his Carlisle contract, the Alex snapped McDonald up for the 2022/23 season.

Carlisle United fan Nige Spence gave his opinion on McDonald, telling Nub News: "He was decent at Carlisle.

"He had a dodgy start but ended up very decent. He will do a job for you."

McDonald joins playmaking midfielder Charlie Colkett, defensive midfielder, Conor Thomas, right-back Kelvin Mellor and forward Courtney Baker-Richardson in signing for The Railwaymen.

Alex Morris takes his side to Nantwich Town for his first pre-season friendly this Saturday - July 2 (Crewe Alex).

Less than one week into pre-season, Alex Morris will be happy with his transfer business so far.

Crewe are back in action this weekend for their first pre-season friendly away to Nantwich Town on Saturday (July 2) at 3pm.

READ MORE: Council to look at ways of shortening Crewe road closures and reducing congestion.

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