Dean Louis McDonald (born 19 February 1986) is an English former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or striker. Career Ipswich Town McDonald was signed by Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle from Arsenal, where he started his career as a youth player. He opened his account with the winning goal for Ipswich on 14 February 2006 against Crewe Alexandra, with the Tractor Boys going on to win the game 2–1. McDonald is primarily an attacking midfielder, although he can play in a more of a striker role. He spent a month on loan with Hartlepool United, scoring one goal the winner in a 2–1 win against AFC Bournemouth, before bring recalled due to an injury crisis at Ipswich, with Ipswich rejecting a bid for the player. Gillingham In May 2006 he signed for Gillingham on a two-year contract. On his debut for his new club in August 2006 he scored the winner in a 2–1 win over Huddersfield Town. Inverness Caledonian Thistle It was announced in July 2007 that, despite having a year left on his contract with the Kent club, McDonald had agreed terms for a move to Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He scored in his first pre-season match for his new club, a 2–0 win over Qatar's U-21 team, on 11 July 2007. Following the arrival of Craig Brewster at the club, he was restricted to just substitute appearances and was on trial during January 2008, including Gillingham and Toronto FC. Although offered a contract by Toronto FC, he decided to stay at Inverness Caledonian Thistle until the end of the 2007–08 season. Despite having a year left on his contract it was cancelled by mutual consent in July 2008. Non league spells McDonald then signed for Conference National side Rushden & Diamonds in July 2008. Having been transfer-listed, he signed for Grays Athletic on loan from 20 November 2008 until January 2009. However, McDonald failed to make an appearance in the Conference National and only made three appearances in the Conference League Cup, FA Trophy and Essex Senior Cup. McDonald was released by Rushden & Diamonds in January 2009, and was signed by Northwich Victoria on non-contract terms. He left Northwich Victoria after manager Steve King departed in February. This led to a short spell at Tooting & Mitcham United, which lasted until the end of the season. McDonald ended the 2009–10