Free-agent midfielder Kevin McDonald has returned to Exeter City 17 months after leaving the club.

The 36-year-old has agreed a deal until January, having left Bradford City at the end of August, and has been training with the Grecians since.

McDonald played 23 times for the Bantams following his arrival in June last year and had a spell as caretaker manager after Mark Hughes was sacked in October 2023.

The former Scotland international – who has had spells at Fulham, Wolves, Sheffield United and Burnley – played 11 games for Exeter in the first half of 2023, scoring three goals.

“Kev has been with us for a few months now, working hard and getting fit,” Exeter boss Gary Caldwell told the club website.

“We felt like it was an opportunity to get him in on a more permanent basis – it’s only short term, but we felt like getting him as part of the squad because of the level he has shown.”

McDonald will also be used in a mentoring role for some of City’s young players including highly rated midfielder Jake Richards.

“I’ve been impressed in training with the younger lads and the senior lads and the intensity and development has been good to see,” McDonald said.

“It was a conversation I had with the manager and it’s something I like to be involved with as I’m naturally vocal on the pitch. If I can use this to help support Jake and the younger players then I’m delighted to.”

Describing the role as the “best of both worlds”, he added: “I still feel I’ve got a lot to offer as a player and until that has gone I’m excited to still be a player.”

The side is currently 11th in the table.