The Gosforth lad played in the same youth team as Andy Carroll and Tim Krul and picked up caps for England up until Under-19 level.
Donaldson is now at Cambridge, who could return to the Football League if they win the play-offs this campaign ... but they have to beat Gateshead!
Donaldson was handed his debut by Kevin Keegan in 2008 against Real Mallorca at Estadio Son Moix.
Looking back on his times at St James’ Park he told the Chronicle: “I was always grateful to Newcastle United for the chances they gave me and the good times I had with them.
“It was Kevin Keegan who gave me my debut but I worked under Chris Hughton and Alan Pardew as well.
“It’s a lot of managers but things have settled down for them now.
“I picked up a lot of good experience and you just can’t put a price on that.
“It’s something I use to this day.
"I picked up a Championship medal in 2010 after playing under Chris Hughton.
“It was only a small part but I got a medal for being part of the squad.
“It is something I will always look back and remember.”
Donaldson has admitted that Gateshead are “a different club” following the Gary Mills revolution.
But he is hell-bent on making sure that Cambridge United can clamber over them in their bid to gain promotion to the Football League.
The Geordie boy comes face to face with his old team-mates tonight (5.30pm) with the Tynesiders knowing that a solitary point will be enough to secure a play-off place.
The game could also be a dress rehearsal for the play-offs, whick kick-off next week, and Donaldson knows that Cambridge could have to get used to playing at the International Stadium.
Donaldson though knows it won’t be easy. “Gateshead is still a team I look out for,” he admitted.
“They have had a good season and they have a different manager.
“But it is a different club to the one I left last summer. Under Gary Mills they have really kicked on.
“With the players they have they should be challenging and I’m happy to see it.
“Although I’ll be trying my best to beat them tonight and possibly in the play-offs.”