Ex-Celtic, St Mirren and Hamilton Accies midfielder Massimo Donati is back in the SPFL. He hasn’t returned as a player though, the Italian has arrived at Kilmarnock as a coach, the club have confirmed.
Angelo Alessio has moved quickly to put together a backroom staff. He has recruited Donati in one of his first moves as Killie boss.
Donati is back in Scotland. (Photo by Getty Images)
The Italian started his coaching career within Accies’ academy. Now he is taking his first steps into the senior coaching game.
It’s a shrewd move by Alessio and Killie.
Donati has experience his boss doesn’t have
Alessio probably isn’t a mastermind when it comes to Scottish football, not yet anyway. That’s why Donati could become a pivotal member of his coaching team.
Donati was a battling midfielder during his playing career. (Photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
He has the experience of playing in the SPFL over three stints here. A midfielder in his heyday, the 38-year-old knows what it takes to be successful in this league.
Donati’s been at the top with Celtic. He’s also seen how it works at smaller clubs like Hamilton and St Mirren. That mix is perfect. He knows how to win in this league, but similarly, he knows the demands of playing for a smaller outfit.
He’s also got experience of the Italian game at the highest level. Having worked over in Italy for most of his coaching career, Alessio will no doubt bring those influences with him. Donati could help the players at Rugby Park adapt to them.
Italian regime at Killie. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Donati seems like a logical appointment by Kilmarnock and Alessio. He has experience that’ll benefit both the players and the manager he’s working with. It’s a great opportunity for the former midfielder as he takes the plunge into the world of senior coaching.