Bio:
Danny began his career at Hibernian in 1987 before signing for Raith Rovers in 1993 for £30,000. At Raith, he was part of the squad that won the Scottish League Cup in 1994, which secured the club European football. Danny famously scored a free-kick against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup, which gave Jimmy Nicholl’s side the lead at half-time in Germany. He also experienced international football with Northern Ireland B while at Stark’s Park.
Danny departed Raith in 1999 and had stints with Ross County and Ayr United before joining Partick Thistle. At Firhill, under John Lambie, he captained the club to the Second and First Division titles. He went on to spend a season in the top-flight with Thistle before departing for Gretna in 2003. Danny spent three years with Gretna, where he also worked as Academy Director alongside a spell at English club Workington, before moving to Cowdenbeath.
In 2019, at the age of 50, Danny came out of retirement as a substitute for Clyde against Celtic in a Glasgow Cup match. It was at Cowdenbeath, where Danny entered management in June 2008, and he enjoyed immediate success, leading the club to successive promotions from the Third Division to the First Division for the first time in 16 years.
In June 2010, Danny moved on to manage St Mirren in the Scottish Premier League and would guide the Buddies to lift the Scottish League Cup in 2013 for the first time in their history. At Paisley, Danny was also responsible for handing John McGinn and Kenny McLean their senior debuts, signing Aaron Mooy from
Bolton Wanderers and securing loan deals for Paul Dummett and Conor Newton from Newcastle United in the 2012/13 season.
After departing St Mirren in 2014, he took charge of Scotland U21s for a friendly match, a 2-1 victory against Hungary, thanks to goals from debutant Lawrence Shankland. Danny also managed Alloa Athletic during 2015, ensuring their status in the Scottish Championship for a historic third consecutive season.
An interim period at Airdrieonians followed before being appointed Clyde manager in November 2017. During his five years at the helm, Danny led the Bully Wee to promotion to Scottish League One in 2019, ending the club’s nine-year exile in the bottom division. Under Danny, the club remained in League One before his departure in October 2022.
Danny spoke to Youth Football Scotland’s Matthew Muir to provide an insight into his youth career…
What clubs did you play for at youth level?
“From the age of 10, I played for Whitburn Centre until I was 15, before moving on to Hutchison Vale for a season, and then signing for Hibernian. Those years at boys’ club level were truly special, full of brilliant memories, friendships, and coaches who gave so much of their time to help young players like myself.”
Who were the best players you played with and against during your youth career?
“That is always a tough one, as I have been lucky to share a pitch with so many talented footballers. At Hibs, I played alongside Andy Gorman, Steve Archibald and John Collins and for Northern Ireland, I had the privilege of playing alongside Neil Lennon, Stevie Lomas, and Keith Gillespie.
“Some of the most difficult opponents I faced included Paul McStay and Ian Durrant, players who had that special ability to find space, control the tempo, and make the right decision almost every time.”
Who were your role models at youth level?
“My Dad stands at the top; he was always there, supporting and encouraging me, along with the rest of my family. From a football point of view, growing up, I admired players like Paul McStay and Ian Durrant, while Kenny Dalglish was my boyhood hero, with Danny McGrain a very close second.”
Who was your favourite coach throughout your youth career?
“I owe so much to Billy McCabe and Johnny Fordyce from my Whitburn Centre days. They invested four to five years in our group, helping us become one of the strongest sides in West Lothian. Their belief, passion, and teaching helped shape me, both as a person and a player and instilled a deep love for the game that still drives me today.
“I also cannot forget Wullie Verth from Hutchison Vale, who continued to guide me during that important next step. Without these men, I am not sure my career would have reached the levels it did.”
If you had one piece of advice for today’s generation of youth footballers, what would it be?
“Always play with joy, humility, and purpose. Love the ball, love the game, and keep learning, not just when things are going well, but especially when they are not. Respect your teammates, your coaches, and your opponents.
“Understand that talent alone will not take you to where you want to go; it is your attitude, work ethic, and character that will set you apart. And above all, remember why you started, because you love playing football.
“Let that passion guide you every day.”
