Career
Born in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, on 25 March 1897, O'Donnell, like so many other football players from the North East, started his career playing for his local colliery team (in his case, Felling). Darlington soon signed him, and he earned a reputation as a hard-tackling full-back. Everton paid around £3,000 for him soon afterwards, a fee that was rare for a defender.
The move didn't work out, however, and Blackpool bought him for a similar price. O'Donnell joined the Seasiders in late 1930, making his debut for the club on December 20, in a home game against Grimsby Town. O'Donnell's move coincided with a time of trouble for the Blackpool defence.
By the end of the 1930-31 season, the club had conceded 125 goals, followed by 102. Disciplinary problems followed O'Donnell. It was reported on three occasions that the club had suspended him for various matters.
Eventually it was mutually agreed to terminate his contract, and O'Donnell played out the remainder of his career in the lower leagues, notably with Wigan Athletic.
