Darryl Played at U16 for North West County schools and went on to represent Derbyshire Schools. Having enjoyed several seasons in the same Manchester City school boy team as Gary Speed, Paul Warhurst and Andy Hinchcliffe he was released at 16 but continued with short spells at Derby County and Crewe Alexander before being released after a brief time at Rochdale.
Darryl started his senior local career at Chinley playing at different stages under Martin Bradley, Alan Johnson, Harold & Ged Merrick, Frankie Burton and Johnny Hardy. Transferred to Whaley Bridge FC to play for Steve Rampley (now Chair) and had a season under John Brogden Snr.
Having suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in a Dore Shield semi-final, playing for Whaley against Chinley, Darryl was laid up for 14 months and ultimately turned to coaching at Stoke City where he worked with all age groups until eventually settling with the youth team who reached two FA Youth Cup quarter-finals against Wimbledon and Arsenal - losing both.
In 1995 Darryl moved on to Everton as a coach working under Joe Royle, Willie Donaghie, Barry Poynton and Ray Hall gaining his UEFA B licence. Coaching U14, 15 & 16 age groups he worked with players such as Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, Francis Jeffors, Joey Barton, Bradley Orr, Phil Jagielka, Ben Burgess, Peter Clarke and Sean OHanlyn to name but a few. Whilst at Everton Darryl won the Milk cup in Ireland before leaving the professional game in 1998 after many years committed to developing young players.
Darryl always retained close links with Whaley, especially with long-term friend Jon Brogden, and after several years returned to the Club. After a season with Whaley Reserves as Assistant Manager/Captain with Nick Mullen he played one last season under John Brogden Snr winning the HVFL Premiership and Lawrence cup in 1999-2000. Subsequently appointed 1st Team Manager with assistant Paul Moore he eventually teamed up with Jon Brogden in 2002 to date.
Jon and Darryl are very proud of the fact that they have developed 3 different generations of teams to become the most successful amateur club in Derbyshire for the last ten years consistently beating opposition from ‘higher’ leagues. Darryl says ‘’Although there have been several offers over the years I have remained loyal to Whaley Bridge FC to work with a Chairman I respect and who has held together a strong committee dedicated to the development of local players and representing a very proud community’’.
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