Ilkeston Town sign former Derby County defender

Defender Kornell McDonald has joined the club following a short spell in the National League North with Rushall Olympic.

Having impressed during pre-season for the Pics, McDonald penned terms on the eve of the new campaign.

However, Rushall have endured a difficult start to the season, finding themselves nine points from safety and three adrift of their nearest rivals at the foot of the National League North table. 

McDonald progressed through the Derby County academy before making his first team debut in 2020. He played a further eight times under then-manager Wayne Rooney.

After leaving Derby in 2022, McDonald joined National League North side Kettering Town before moving onto Bedford Town and Redditch.

Last season, he had spells at Gloucester City before moving to Matlock Town, where he ended the season.

He has been registered in time to feature this weekend for the Robins, who will look to maintain their unbeaten home record in the league when Leek visit the New Manor Ground.

McDonald's arrival also comes in the wake of fellow defender James Perch announcing his retirement from football.

Perch, a former Premier League and EFL star, has made over 500 appearances spanning a 19-year career.

He joined the Robins in September 2023 and went on to feature 36 times in all competitions.