Jan 09 - Higginbotham Retires From Football
The defender who helped prove Gibraltar’s capabilities during the GFA’s first UEFA grade football match, Danny Higginbotham, has announced his retirement from the game. In a statement released last night, Mr. Higginbotham, who’s career has seen him play for teams including Chester FC, Manchester United and Stoke, explained that the decision has not been taken lightly, but is one he could not avoid.
The player continued, ‘the plain truth is, I have been going on to the pitch recently not wanting to get hurt. It’s almost like I’ve been going through the motions, and that’s not me. I haven’t been enjoying it, and I haven’t been giving my best, and that’s not only out of character but something I can’t live with. I have never short-changed anyone in my life, and I’m not about to start now, especially with a club and set of supporters as close to my heart as Altrincham.’
Danny was contracted, as the most experienced player in the team, to assist the Gibraltar Football Association in their match against Slovakia, held in Portugal in November. With no previous experience in professional football, the team proved itself tremendously with a strong defence that saw them drawn 0 – 0 with Slovakia. Many attributed this success to Mr Higginbotham, and his long and varied career in the sport.
It is suggested, but remains unclear from Higginbotham’s statement whether his retirement will extend to his contract to play internationally with the GFA. YGTV are currently awaiting comment from the GFA and did contact Mr. Higginbotham on the matter, but did not receive a reply.
At 34 years old Danny had recently left Chester and signed with Altrincham FC. He explained that joining his home town club had been the last attempt to rekindle his love of playing, however following discussions with his family, friends and football colleagues he decided that the time was right to leave the game.
His statement, released jointly with that of Altrincham FC, continues, ‘I’m the first to admit the long and successful career I’ve had in the game has not been based on technical ability. It has been down to desire and a wholehearted approach. I have always given everything, every last drop but, for a while now, that hasn’t been the case. The moment that starts to wane, you’ve got to think about calling it a day.
‘Looking back, I should probably have quit when I left Chester, but I couldn’t pass up the chance of joining Alty. I always said I would play for the club I have always supported and I genuinely hoped it would prove the catalyst for firing me up again and getting me back to how I used to be.’
Gibraltar will face its next UEFA grade friendlies in March at the Victoria Stadium. Higgingbotham’s retirement will see the GFA progress towards the 2016 Euro Qualifiers without the former Premier League star.
