Danny Graham (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Daniel Anthony William "Danny" Graham (born 12 August 1985) is an English
footballer who plays for Premier League side Swansea City
as a striker. He started his professional career at Middlesbrough
in 2003, making his debut for the club in a Premier League match against Manchester United
the following year. He later represented England at under-20
level.
During his four years at Middlesbrough, Graham made just one first team start. He was loaned out to clubs in all three divisions of the Football League, before joining his final loan club Carlisle United
on a two-year deal in 2007. At the end of his contract, he joined Championship
side Watford
, who were subsequently ordered to pay compensation. Graham was Watford's top-scorer in both of his seasons at Vicarage Road
, as well as Watford F.C. Player of the Season and the Championship's overall top scorer in 2010–11. In July 2011, Graham transferred to newly-promoted Swansea City
for £3.5 million.
, and represented the Gateshead Schools FA team. He started his career at Chester-le-Street Town
, in the Northern League, before joining Middlesbrough
on a permanent transfer in 2003. In the 2003–04 season he spent time on loan at Division Three side Darlington, where he made scored two goals in nine league appearances. He made his Middlesbrough debut on 3 October 2004, as a late substitute in a 1–1 Premier League draw against Manchester United
. He scored his first goal for the club three weeks later, against Coventry City
in the League Cup, and scored his first Premier League goal on 27 February 2005 against Charlton Athletic
.
Despite having played for Middlesbrough in both the Premier League and UEFA Cup
, Graham was unable to secure a place in the starting lineup; his only league start for the club came in a 1–0 defeat to Fulham at the end of the 2005–06 season. In July 2006, Middlesbrough confirmed they were willing to let the once-hot prospect leave the club.
and Leeds United
, but did not score a league goal for either club. Graham subsequently went on loan to Blackpool at the start of the 2006–07 season, scoring once in the league against Bristol City
.
At the end of 2006, Graham moved to Carlisle United
on loan. He returned to Middlesbrough on 5 February 2007, after playing only two games due to a leg injury, but returned to Brunton Park
after recovering to complete a three-month loan. The final match of his loan was against Bristol City
, where he scored Carlisle's only goal in a 3–1 defeat. During two loan spells at Carlisle, he scored 7 league goals in 11 games.
Graham was released by Middlesbrough
on 10 May 2007, and signed a two-year deal with Carlisle United on 6 June 2007.
at the City Ground
on 3 March 2008, scoring the winning goal in a 1–0 victory, in a game broadcast live on Sky Sports
.
Graham also started the 2008–09 season in goalscoring form, netting 13 goals between August and December. He was linked with a £250,000 move to either Preston or Huddersfield, but these rumours ultimately came to nothing.
on a two-year contract on 2 July 2009. A tribunal later decided that Watford should pay an initial £200,000 in compensation to Carlisle, which eventually rose to £350,000. Graham scored several goals for Watford in pre-season, and scored on his competitive debut for the club in a 1–1 draw with Doncaster Rovers at Vicarage Road
. On 5 April 2010 Graham scored from 25 yards out to give Watford
the lead in their 1–1 draw with West Bromwich Albion
. Graham finished the season as Watford's top scorer, with 14 league goals.
On 15 January 2011 against Derby County
, Graham equalled the Watford record for the most goals scored in consecutive games, finding the net for the seventh successive match. Graham sustained his good goal-scoring form, finishing as Championship top-scorer for the 2010–11 season, with 24 goals in the league. He was named in the 2011 PFA Championship Team of the Year
, and was also voted Watford F.C. Player of the Season.
Watford received and rejected a £2.5 million bid from Queens Park Rangers for Graham's services in May 2011. On 4 June 2011, the club accepted a £3.5 million bid from Swansea City
.
.
Graham scored for Swansea on 6 August 2011 in a pre-season friendly between Swansea and La Liga
side Real Betis
at the Liberty Stadium
. He scored his first competitive goal for Swansea on 2 October 2011 in a 2–0 win at home to Stoke City
. The following week, Graham scored his second goal for Swansea in a 3-1 defeat to Norwich City
. Graham scored his third goal for Swansea in a 2-2 draw with Wolves on 22 October. On 29 October Graham scored his fourth goal in as many games in a 3-1 win against Bolton, having also scored an own goal earlier on in the game.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
footballer who plays for Premier League side Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
as a striker. He started his professional career at Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
in 2003, making his debut for the club in a Premier League match against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
the following year. He later represented England at under-20
England national under-20 football team
- Round of 16 :-Friendlies:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup running from 29 July to the 20 August 2011.-Recent call-ups:...
level.
During his four years at Middlesbrough, Graham made just one first team start. He was loaned out to clubs in all three divisions of the Football League, before joining his final loan club Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
on a two-year deal in 2007. At the end of his contract, he joined Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
side Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
, who were subsequently ordered to pay compensation. Graham was Watford's top-scorer in both of his seasons at Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road, a stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford and their tenants, the Saracens rugby union club. An all-seater stadium, its current capacity is 17,477.-History:...
, as well as Watford F.C. Player of the Season and the Championship's overall top scorer in 2010–11. In July 2011, Graham transferred to newly-promoted Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
for £3.5 million.
Early career
Graham attended Heworth Grange Comprehensive SchoolHeworth Grange Comprehensive School
Heworth Grange Comprehensive School is a specialist Visual Arts College and comprehensive high school in the Gateshead area of Tyne and Wear, England. As of 2010, the school is undergoing a major rebuild as part of the 'Building Schools for the Future' scheme. It educates students aged 11–18,...
, and represented the Gateshead Schools FA team. He started his career at Chester-le-Street Town
Chester-le-Street Town F.C.
Chester-le-Street Town F.C. is an English football club based in Chester-le-Street, County Durham. They were the Wearside League Champions in 1981. In 1985, they reached the 5th round of the FA Vase. They are currently playing in the Northern Football League Division Two...
, in the Northern League, before joining Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
on a permanent transfer in 2003. In the 2003–04 season he spent time on loan at Division Three side Darlington, where he made scored two goals in nine league appearances. He made his Middlesbrough debut on 3 October 2004, as a late substitute in a 1–1 Premier League draw against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
. He scored his first goal for the club three weeks later, against Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
in the League Cup, and scored his first Premier League goal on 27 February 2005 against Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
.
Despite having played for Middlesbrough in both the Premier League and UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
, Graham was unable to secure a place in the starting lineup; his only league start for the club came in a 1–0 defeat to Fulham at the end of the 2005–06 season. In July 2006, Middlesbrough confirmed they were willing to let the once-hot prospect leave the club.
Loan spells
The following season, Graham was loaned to Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
and Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
, but did not score a league goal for either club. Graham subsequently went on loan to Blackpool at the start of the 2006–07 season, scoring once in the league against Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
.
At the end of 2006, Graham moved to Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
on loan. He returned to Middlesbrough on 5 February 2007, after playing only two games due to a leg injury, but returned to Brunton Park
Brunton Park
Brunton Park is a football stadium and the home of Carlisle United F.C. It is situated in the city of Carlisle, Cumbria and has a certified capacity for the 2011/2012 season of 18,202. The ground opened in 1909...
after recovering to complete a three-month loan. The final match of his loan was against Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
, where he scored Carlisle's only goal in a 3–1 defeat. During two loan spells at Carlisle, he scored 7 league goals in 11 games.
Graham was released by Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
on 10 May 2007, and signed a two-year deal with Carlisle United on 6 June 2007.
Carlisle United
Graham started the 2007–08 season in good form, and was the division's top goalscorer from August until October, including one against his former loan-club Leeds United. However after his goal on 13 October 2007, Graham did not score again until 2 February 2008. He made his 100th career appearance playing for Carlisle United against Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
at the City Ground
City Ground
The City Ground is a football stadium in the West Bridgford area of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, on the banks of the River Trent. It has been home to Nottingham Forest Football Club since 1898, and has a capacity of 30,602 ....
on 3 March 2008, scoring the winning goal in a 1–0 victory, in a game broadcast live on Sky Sports
Sky Sports
Sky Sports is the brand name for a group of sports-oriented television channels operated by the UK and Ireland's main satellite pay-TV company, British Sky Broadcasting. Sky Sports is the dominant subscription television sports brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland...
.
Graham also started the 2008–09 season in goalscoring form, netting 13 goals between August and December. He was linked with a £250,000 move to either Preston or Huddersfield, but these rumours ultimately came to nothing.
Watford
After several failed attempts by Carlisle to renew Graham's contract he joined WatfordWatford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
on a two-year contract on 2 July 2009. A tribunal later decided that Watford should pay an initial £200,000 in compensation to Carlisle, which eventually rose to £350,000. Graham scored several goals for Watford in pre-season, and scored on his competitive debut for the club in a 1–1 draw with Doncaster Rovers at Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road, a stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford and their tenants, the Saracens rugby union club. An all-seater stadium, its current capacity is 17,477.-History:...
. On 5 April 2010 Graham scored from 25 yards out to give Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
the lead in their 1–1 draw with West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
. Graham finished the season as Watford's top scorer, with 14 league goals.
On 15 January 2011 against Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
, Graham equalled the Watford record for the most goals scored in consecutive games, finding the net for the seventh successive match. Graham sustained his good goal-scoring form, finishing as Championship top-scorer for the 2010–11 season, with 24 goals in the league. He was named in the 2011 PFA Championship Team of the Year
PFA Team of the Year
The Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
, and was also voted Watford F.C. Player of the Season.
Watford received and rejected a £2.5 million bid from Queens Park Rangers for Graham's services in May 2011. On 4 June 2011, the club accepted a £3.5 million bid from Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
.
Swansea City
On 7 June 2011, Graham completed his £3.5 million move to newly-promoted Premier League side Swansea CitySwansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
.
Graham scored for Swansea on 6 August 2011 in a pre-season friendly between Swansea and La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
side Real Betis
Real Betis
Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín....
at the Liberty Stadium
Liberty Stadium, Swansea
The Liberty Stadium is a purpose-built sports stadium and conferencing venue in the Landore area of Swansea, Wales. The stadium is all-seated, with a capacity of 20,532 making it the largest purpose-built venue in Swansea and the third largest stadium in Wales after the Millennium Stadium and the...
. He scored his first competitive goal for Swansea on 2 October 2011 in a 2–0 win at home to Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
. The following week, Graham scored his second goal for Swansea in a 3-1 defeat to Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. Graham scored his third goal for Swansea in a 2-2 draw with Wolves on 22 October. On 29 October Graham scored his fourth goal in as many games in a 3-1 win against Bolton, having also scored an own goal earlier on in the game.
Career statistics
| Discipline | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington Darlington F.C. Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003... (loan) |
Division Three Football League Two Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system.... > 9 |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ! 9 !! 2 | 0 | |
| Middlesbrough Middlesbrough F.C. Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889... |
Premier League | 11 |
1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | ! 17 !! 2 | 0 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ! 3 !! 0 | 0 | |||
| Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... | 14 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ! 14 !! 0 | 0 | ||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ! 3 !! 0 | 0 | |||
| Middlesbrough Middlesbrough F.C. Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889... |
> 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ! 1 !! 0 | 0 | |
| League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... | 4 |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ! 4 !! 1 | 0 | ||
| 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ! 11 !! 7 | 0 | |||
| Carlisle United Carlisle United F.C. Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system.... | 47 |
15 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | ! 53 !! 17 | 0 | ||
| 15 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | ! 49 !! 16 | 0 | |||
| Watford Watford F.C. Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade... |
Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... | 46 |
14 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | ! 49 !! 14 | 0 | |
| 2010–11 2010–11 in English football The 2010–11 season was the 131st season of competitive football in England.The season began on 6 August 2010 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier League and Football Conference both starting eight days later on 14 August 2010. The Championship, League One, and League Two ended on 7 May... > 45 |
24 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | ! 49 !! 27 | 0 | ||
| 2011–12 2011–12 in English football The 2011–12 season is the 132nd season of competitive football in England.The season began on 5 August 2011 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier starting eight days later, League Football Conference Starting one day before Premier League starts.The Championship, League One, and League Two... |
Swansea City Swansea City A.F.C. Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position... |
> 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ! 11 !! 4 | 0 |
