Danny Wilson
An elegant left sided central defender, Danny was a stand out within various Gers Academy sides and, from an early age, found himself occasionally training with Walter Smith's first team squad at Auchenhowie.
Wilson’s first team debut came at Dens Park in October 2009 as Rangers defeated Dundee 3-1 in a League Cup quarter final tie. He would partner Sasa Papac in central defence in a match which would see midfielder Jordan McMillan also make his debut. Former Academy players Stevie Smith and John Fleck were also in the starting XI. Danny kept his place as Rangers travelled to Romania to face Unirea Urziceni in the Champions League, this time accompanied by Davie Weir with Papac returning to his by now more familiar left fullback role. With the match ending 1-1, Rangers secured one of only two points during a disappointing Euro campaign.
Injury to Madjid Bougherra provided Wilson with the opportunity to earn an extended run in the side and, despite being just 18 years of age, Danny took it all in his stride and there were soon rumours of transfer interest emanating from England.
The month of March would prove to be eventful with Danny appearing in his first domestic final, earning a winner’s medal in the same competition he had made his debut just 5 months earlier. It was bittersweet , Wilson having been red carded for a professional foul thus reducing Rangers to nine men following the earlier dismissal of Kevin Thomson. Rangers dug deep to edge out St.Mirren, much to the relief of the youngster. Thoughts of a domestic clean sweep evaporated just days later as Dundee United sneaked a victory in the Scottish Cup replay at Tannadice. Rangers reacted well, defeating Hearts comfortably at Tynecastle with Danny scoring his first goal for the Club in a 4-1 victory as they closed in on retaining the title.
It had been incredible debut season for Wilson, helping Rangers secure a League and League Cup double whilst also earning personal honours by way of Scotland’s PFA and Football Writers Young Player of the Year. With 24 first time appearances already to his name, Wilson seemed certain to become the cornerstone of the Rangers defence with Davie Weir very much in the twilight of his career albeit performing magnificently.
Instead, Wilson was sold to Liverpool in the summer of 2010 for a fee of £2M. The support were frustrated to see Danny leave so soon and the player himself was keen to remain at Ibrox and continue his education. Perhaps it was an early indication of the financial difficulties soon to plague the Club that Rangers were prepared to cash in so quickly. Uncertainty around whether Walter Smith would continue as manager going into season 2010/11 may have been another factor, Wilson later suggesting that Smith very much took a back seat whilst talks stalled. There was little doubt that Smith rated Danny highly, comparing him to his former player at Dundee United, David Narey. High praise indeed.
The gulf in finances between English Premiership sides and Scotland’s big two was becoming greater with each passing year and whilst most felt it was a move far too soon for the player, Danny headed to Anfield to share a dressing room with Steven Gerrard & Co.
by Rick Plews
