Danny Granville

Personalia: Born: 19/1 1975 Birthplace: Islington Nationality: England (0/0) Height: 5`11" (180cm) Weight: 12st. 1lb (77kg) Position: Left Back League Appearances: Season: Club: Games: Goals: 1994-1997 Cambridge 99 7 1997-1998 Chelsea 18 0 1998-1999 Leeds United 9 0 1999-2000 Manchester City (loan) 9 1 1999-2000 Manchester City 27 0 2000-2001 Manchester City 19 0 2000-2001 Norwich City (loan) 6 0 2001-2002 Manchester City 16 1 2000-2001 Crystal Palace Total: 203 9

Signed by Leeds United at the end of the 1997/1998 season for what looked like a very reasonable fee (£1.6 million). Seen by many as Man of the Match in Chelsea's Cup Winner's Cup Final victory, Danny looks like another for the future. He failed to make much of an impact in his first season for United, due largely to the improved form of Ian Harte.

Joe Royle addressed the young left back to cover the difficult left back spot in Citys campaign back to the Premier League, and in July 1999 Granville joined Manchester City on a three month loan. A hamstring injury sidelined him for one month. Still he impressed both the manager and the fans with his committed defensive play and the support provided to Mark Kennedy on the wing. Royle agreed a 1 million transfer fee for the left back, and on November 1st 1999 Danny signed for City to make the move permanent.

Being a semi-regular performer on the left hand side of the defence for three years seemed to suit Danny well, as he was never complaining and stuck by the team in thick and thin. He always seemed to do his best and even though he lacked some of the finer qualities in his passing game, seemed to be accepted by the Maine Road audience. The regularity of his performances was severly reduced when Keegen took over as manager, and in the end Danny had to move on. Crystal Palace proved to be his lifeline, and unlike many other players of recent times, both Danny, the fans, and the officials will all look back on his City days as the one of a true professional.