Danny McDonnell is one of the finest players ever seen in a City shirt. City have been fortunate to have many decent goalkeepers over the years, but none to match Danny in terms of performing to such a high standard over such a long time.

He was 27 years old when he joined on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling in May 2000. He had previously played for Lye, Stourbridge and Halesowen and was regarded by City manager John Barton as the best goalkeeper in the Southern League Premier Division. His judgement was spot on. In fact, Danny played under three City managers — John Barton, Andy Preece and Richard Dryden — and all made him their first choice.

Danny was sent off and carried off injured in just his third competitive game after colliding with former City striker Gary Smith in a game at Tamworth. He suffered a concussion and needed stitches in both his mouth and chin. However, his first season ended on a much happier note as he helped the club to win the Dr. Martens Cup for the first time in over 50 years.

Over the next two seasons, he turned in many outstanding displays. He won the Player of the Year award twice and was tipped for international honours. He was finally rewarded when he was selected to play in an international tournament held in Scotland in May 2004, and he won his sole England cap in a 2-0 defeat against Wales.

In August 2004 Danny suffered three cracked ribs and punctured a lung playing against Hucknall Town but worked his way back to fitness, only to be sidelined again after tearing tendons in his right shoulder during a match against Stalybridge Celtic in November 2007. Fans quickly rallied to raise over £1,000 to help pay for surgery, although Danny later refunded the money after the surgeon waived his fee.

He didn’t play again for 8 months, but when he did return he went on to complete more games than any other keeper in the history of the club before hanging up his gloves.
Danny was presented with a long-service award at the end-of-season awards night in May 2009, when it was announced that he was hanging up his gloves. This came as a surprise as he had already decided to commit himself to a 10th season, although he had intended to stay on as back-up whilst coaching new City keeper Jake Meredith. Within a few weeks, Danny decided it was time to call it a day completely. He felt that he simply didn’t want to play football any more as he had lost the enjoyment. He was 36 and had played more than 350 times for City over the course of nine years. Despite offers from other clubs he stayed true to his word and retired from football.

- By Julian Pugh, Club Historian