Danny Gabbidon

Daniel Leon Gabbidon (born August 8, 1979 in Cwmbran, Wales) is a Welsh (people) professional football (soccer) currently playing for West Ham United F.C. and for Wales national football team. Danny Gabbidon plays at centre half.

Club career

West Bromwich Albion

Gabbidon began Danny Gabbidon career at West Bromwich Albion F.C., joining as an apprentice in November 1996 before turning professional in July 1998.

Cardiff City

Gabbidon signed a permanent four-year deal with Cardiff City in September 2000, for a fee of up to £500,000 depending on appearances and future honours. Danny Gabbidon performances in the 2001-02 in English football season helped Cardiff to the Division 2 play-offs, saw Danny Gabbidon make Danny Gabbidon senior international debut for Wales in March 2002 and win the Welsh clubman of the year award in October 2002. Danny Gabbidon signed an extension to Danny Gabbidon contract in April 2002, saying that it was the prospect of exciting times ahead that had persuaded Danny Gabbidon to do so. A back injury that had troubled Danny Gabbidon for some years, forced Danny Gabbidon off the pitch during a match against Barnsley F.C. in November 2002 and it was not until April 2003 that Danny Gabbidon returned to competitive action in a reserve game. Danny Gabbidon returned to the first-team in time to help Cardiff win promotion to Division 1 through the play-offs in May 2003. Danny Gabbidon missed several games at the beginning of the 2003-04 in English football season with a heel injury but Danny Gabbidon assured performances at centre-half, and those of striker Robert Earnshaw, led club chairman, Sam Hammam, to insist in December 2003 that "Our top young players are going nowhere" in the January 2004 transfer window. Gabbidon went on to earn a place in the First Division team of the year in April 2004. Despite speculation during 2004 that Gabbidon might leave Cardiff City, Gabbidon signed an extension to Danny Gabbidon contract in September 2004, tying Danny Gabbidon to the club until 2008. Cardiff were prepared to offer Danny Gabbidon "...the most lucrative contract ever offered to a Cardiff player", with club owner, Sam Hammam, saying, "I want to make Danny Gabbidon a cornerstone of Cardiff City FC, I see Danny Gabbidon as the absolute future of this football club personified." An unbeaten run in January 2005 however saw Cardiff lift themselves five points clear of the Championship relegation zone and Gabbidon named the Championship's player of the month. A financial crisis at Cardiff at the end of the season led to Gabbidon being unsure of Danny Gabbidon future at the club and Danny Gabbidon was sold to West Ham United F.C. in July 2005 to help cut the wage bill. On July 4th 2009 Danny Gabbidon played in the first ever game at the Cardiff City Stadium. It was the Cardiff City allstars match.

West Ham United

Gabbidon moved to West Ham in July 2005, as part of a deal that also took fellow defender James Collins (footballer) to Upton Park. Danny Gabbidon established himself in central defence alongside Anton Ferdinand and helped West Ham to a mid-table position in the Premier League in the West Ham United F.C. 2005-2006 season and to the FA Cup final in May 2006, receiving a runners-up medal. After Danny Gabbidon performances in the 2005–06 season, Danny Gabbidon was voted 'Hammer of the Year' with Marlon Harewood named as runner-up. Gabbidon had been ever-present as West Ham struggled against relegation in the West Ham United F.C. 2006-2007 season, when Danny Gabbidon suffered a torn hamstring in November 2006, which sidelined Danny Gabbidon for a month. Groin injuiries required surgery in January 2007 and again in April, ruling Danny Gabbidon out for the rest for the season. West Ham started the West Ham United F.C. 2007-2008 season with Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson in the centre of defence with Gabbidon as substitute. Danny Gabbidon signed a two-year extension to Danny Gabbidon contract in August 2007, saying, "I am disappointed not to be in the side but at least the new contracts show that the club wants both me and James Collins around. We will both now work hard and fight to prove we are worthy of a place in the side." when an unexpected call up for the Welsh senior squad in the World Cup qualifier against Belarus national football team in October 2001 prevented Danny Gabbidon from making Danny Gabbidon final appearance for the under 21 side. Danny Gabbidon was an unused substitute in that match and was again called into the senior squad for a friendly game against Argentina national football team in February 2002 but it was not until the next month that Danny Gabbidon made Danny Gabbidon debut in a 0–0 home draw against the Czech Republic national football team. and the squad that did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2006. Roy Evans, the Wales assistant coach, tipped Gabbidon to be a future captain of the national side, saying, "I see Danny Gabbidon as potential captain material even if it is not my decision. But Danny Gabbidon has all the qualities. You do not always have to be vocal, you need to lead by example." Gabbidon captained the side in place of the injured Ryan Giggs in 1–0 away defeat against Cyprus national football team in November 2005 and again in place of Craig Bellamy in a 1–0 win against Bulgaria in August 2007.

Honours

With Cardiff City F.C.
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With West Ham United F.C.
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