Danny Higginbotham

Who is Danny Higginbotham?

Daniel John "Danny" Higginbotham is a former professional footballer who played as a defender.

Born in Manchester, Higginbotham started his career at his local side Manchester United. He made seven appearances at Old Trafford as well as a loan spell with Belgium side Royal Antwerp before joining Derby County in order to play more matches. He spent three years at the "Rams" but handed in a transfer request when the club was relegated from the Premiership. Southampton moved to sign Higginbotham for £1.5 million in February 2003, and he help the South Coast side reach the 2003 FA Cup Final. When Southampton were relegated in 2005, Higginbotham rejected a new contact and was placed on the transfer list.

He joined fellow Championship side Stoke City for £225,000 in August 2006. He was made captain when Michael Duberry left in January 2007 and Stoke went on to narrowly missed out on a play-off place. With Stoke not being promoted Higginbotham again decided to hand in a transfer request to help force through a move to Sunderland. He spent one season at the Stadium of Light before returning to Stoke in 2008.