Jake first played for Pershore Town as a youngster during the 2014/15 season and carried on into the 2015/16 season featuring for three separate managers in that time in Scott Walsh, Glen Brotherton and Quentin Townsend.

Following a spell with Romulus, Donnelly then represented Feckenham, Fairfield Villa and Studley in the Midland Football League, whilst helping Studley to the Hellenic League Division One title during the 2021/22 season, scoring four in twenty-one games.

It was from Studley that Jake returned to Pershore from, joining Danny Janes' side during the 2022/23 Season and helping The Plums to secure the Hellenic League double.

The return from Worcester Raiders last season, and adding another to his Pershore Town appearances means that Jake has no featured for the Football Club over 100 times.

"I never used to like Jake Donnelly, I don't mean as a person because he is a great lad and I played in the same team as him when he was 18, but I used to hate coming up against him when managing." said Janes.

"There are many players who do not have that intense competitive edge, losing does not hurt them like it should, they won't sacrifice anything to win.

"Jake Donnelly is a natural winner and is the most competitive footballer I have worked with. Whenever I have managed teams against him he has always caused me problems, hence why I hated seeing his name on the team sheet.

"When we signed 'Donno' during our first tenure, it took him time to adjust because he was coming into an environment he was potentially not used too for a number of seasons.

"Once he settled in, for me he was one of the players of the season for us. The level of performances he produced were always of a high standard, he scored goals from all positions and he had a major impact on the outcome of games.

"Defensively he is outstanding, 1 v 1 he dominates players whether that is at full back or centre midfield. 'Donno's' ability to drive with the ball is a massive asset to us, he can drive 40 yards with the ball past three of four players at ease.

"He can connect the play through combinations through the thirds and he can arrive in the final third to attack. There are not many players who can not only defend so effectively but also be such a goal threat.

"'Donno' knows our standards and although he likes to have a moan, deep down I know he thrives in such an environment that pushes and challenges him.

"He is a player we would have taken with us whether ever we went, that is how highly I think of him.

"This season is a big season for him as I know he was disappointed with last season, the levels he can reach will be down to him, of course we will support and guide him as much as we can, but he knows what he is capable of."

Jake is hopeful that the return of Danny Janes can bring more success to the Football Club after it did so well under Janes previously.

"I'm really happy to be staying at Pershore after finishing last season at the club." said Donnelly.

"It's a special club when there's success on the pitch, you can already feel there's a little buzz building.

"We had a successful spell under DJ last time and hopefully they'll be more of that to come this season.

"We all know the aim, that's be set from the beginning of Pre-Season, we have to get Pershore Town into Step 4.

"Really looking forward to the season ahead and seeing lots of familiar faces back at the Football Club."