FC Isle of Man are delighted to announce the signing of striker Daniel (Dan) Hattersley. Dan spent 8 years playing football at the professional level. Having previously played for the likes of Southport, Halifax Town & Stockport County everyone within the club is delighted to welcome Dan.
We sat down with Dan at the game on Sunday vs Bury FC so you could get to know a little bit more about his footballing career so far and what he can bring to the club.
Firstly, welcome to the football club! What was it that attracted you to signing for FC Isle of Man?
I have had a great career playing football, I retired 5 years ago, when I came back to the Island, I was ready for a break. I did play for a couple of teams when I returned such as Rushen and St Marys’ but lost interest and was not fit so I packed it in to retire to the golf course. However I now feel that I am fit, healthy and have the drive to play football again. I still feel I have a lot to give and can’t think of a better opportunity or team to play for.
How have you viewed FC Isle of Man from afar in terms of what the football club is looking to achieve?
I have followed the teams progress since they started, I think that the club is great for the community and gives players on the Isle of Man the opportunity to play football, showcase their talent and give them a pathway into the professional game.
For those who don’t know you’ve had some fantastic experiences in the game playing for the likes of Southport, Halifax Town and Stockport County to name a few. What can your experiences bring to FC Isle of Man and this group?
I played at professional level for many years, I played with some great players and was coached and managed at a high standard. This has given me a great understanding of the game and I also know the commitment drive and dedication required to play at this level. I hope I can share my experiences with FC Isle of Man and this group to support development within the team
I have played for England Under 17s and had the opportunity to play at Wembley in the FA Trophy in which we beat Grimsby Town for Halifax. These are experiences I will never forget and would like to see others achieve this. Scoring goals in the FA Cup is something I loved. The furthest I got in the FA cup was 3rd round proper loosing to Derby County at Pride Park, a 90th minute pen heart akee……
Other noticeable clubs I played for Chester, Altrincham and Warrington Town before a 18 month stint in Australia where I played for Geelong SC and won their first title in many years.
And for maybe some of our fans that haven’t watched you before, how would you describe yourself your style on the pitch?
I have always played in a forward as a striker and I know how to score a few goals. As I have got older I have just simplified the game and trying to use what I have which is scoring goals and looking after the ball, leaving all the fancy stuff to the younger lads.
Naturally, part of the football club’s ethos is to be a community club and bleed youngsters in from the local game and give them the exposure to a higher level of football. Do you see yourselves as part of that seniority in the squad that can help make a positive impact on and off the field?
With my experience at professional level I hope that I can share my knowledge and skills to support bringing younger players into the game and strengthen the club. I am aware of the community spirt within the club and the dedicated fanbase and am excited to be part of this.
And just finally you’re obviously signing in the second half of the season, what was the discussion with the manager and his coaching staff in terms of what you can offer for the rest of this current season?
I have spoken with Paul about supporting the squad development and driving the team forward to work at the level they need to progress, we have discussed how my previous career has given me a great understanding of the game and how I can demonstrate good consistent standards to role model for younger players coming into the squad.
Thank you for your time and welcome to FC Isle of Man.
