SWANSON’S SHIELFIELD SWANSONG
DANNY SWANSON is begging for the chance to play at the ground where his professional career started on £20 a week.
The new Hibs midfielder has asked boss Neil Lennon to include him in a squad that visits Berwick’s Shielfield Park tonight as he bids to shake off early-season rustiness.
And Swanson hopes to rekindle a few memories of how it all began for him way back in 2005.
Swanson said: “The gaffer has said he isn’t sure who he is going to play but I’ll ask if I can go down because I need the game time.
“John Coughlin was the manager down there when I signed.
“My dad John asked him for a trial. I went down and did all right then John said all he could offer me was £20 a week – and I snatched his hand off for it.
“I can’t remember if I got expenses as well but it didn’t bother me. I was just happy to be playing senior level and the money was irrelevant.
“It was a chance and John gave me that. He also acted as my agent when Hamilton wanted me and he took me up to Dundee United and did my deal there.
“I have never publicly come out and thanked him. I kind of regret not thanking him enough as he was definitely a big part of my career when it all started.”
Swanson was playing non-league football with Leith when he got his big break but admits he feared it would never come.
He added: “Had I given up hope of getting that break? Yes. I was doing plumbing, playing football with mates at Leith but we split up having won all the cups and couldn’t go any further.
“It was just my dad phoning John asking for a trial.”
Playmaker Swanson admits he used to cheer Steven Whittaker and Anthony Stokes on from the stands and now he would love to link up with the pair on the pitch at Easter Road.
Both Whittaker and Stokes were interested spectators at Lewis Stevenson’s testimonial against Sunderland on Sunday, with Hibs head coach Lennon keen to recruit the players for the Leith side’s Premiership return.
And Swanson insists he would be delighted if Lennon manages to get both deals over the line.
He said: “I’m a massive Whittaker fan, he used to be one of the players I came to watch, it was that era.
“He was a massive player for Hibs back then and would still do well now.
“Steven would bring a lot of things, he has ability and he’s a big boy. He would bring physicality as well – he’s a top player.
“The Scottish Cup Final made Stokes a Hibs legend and they would both be great signings if we managed to get them.”