Danny Higginbotham

Daniel John Higginbotham (born 29 December 1978) is a former professional footballer who played as a defender. Born in England, he represented Gibraltar in international football. Higginbotham started his career in the Manchester United academy. After making his senior debut for the club, he was sent out on loan to Belgian side Royal Antwerp. After his return the following season, he could not claim a regular first-team place and joined Derby County in search of more playing time in 2000. He spent three years at Derby but made a transfer request when the club was relegated from the Premier League. Southampton signed Higginbotham for a £1.5 million fee in February 2003, and he helped them reach the 2003 FA Cup Final. When Southampton were relegated in 2005, Higginbotham rejected a new contract and was placed on the transfer list. He joined fellow Championship side Stoke City for a £225,000 fee in August 2006. He was made captain when Michael Duberry left in January 2007, and Stoke went on to narrowly miss out on a play-off place. With Stoke not 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. He became a vital member of Tony Pulis' squad as Stoke established themselves in the Premier League. He scored the winning goal in the FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham United but missed out on both the semi-final and the final due to a knee injury. After his recovery, he struggled to force his way back into the side. He spent time out on loan to Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town before joining Sheffield United on a free transfer in January 2013. After eight months at Bramall Lane,...