Danny Cowley

Danny Cowley
Personal information
Date of birth (1978-10-22) 22 October 1978 (age 46)[1]
Place of birth Havering, London, England
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Colchester United (head coach)
Youth career
Gidea Park Rangers
Wimbledon
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
Dagenham & Redbridge 0 (0)
Purfleet
Barking
0000–2004 Harlow Town
2004–2005 Boreham Wood
2004–2005 → Romford (loan) 18 (1)
2005–2007 Hornchurch
2007 Brentwood Town
2007 Concord Rangers
Managerial career
2008–2015 Concord Rangers
2015–2016 Braintree Town
2016–2019 Lincoln City
2019–2020 Huddersfield Town
2021–2023 Portsmouth
2024– Colchester United
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Danny Cowley (born 22 October 1978) is an English professional football coach who is currently head coach of Colchester United.

As a player he played at semi-professional level as a midfielder, although he was on in the academy at Premier League club Wimbledon. He played for Dagenham & Redbridge, Purfleet, Barking, Harlow Town, Boreham Wood, Romford, Hornchurch, Brentwood Town and Concord Rangers.

He became manager of Concord Rangers in 2008 before moving on to Braintree Town. In his single season with Braintree he took them to the National League play-off semi finals where they were defeated by Grimsby Town. He then guided Lincoln City to the National League title and the quarter finals of the FA Cup the following season. He has since gone on to manage in the EFL Championship with Huddersfield Town and more recently Portsmouth.

Early life

Cowley was born in Havering, London.[2] He was involved with the youth set-up with Wimbledon[3] from the under-10s to under-16s but was not offered a scholarship having suffered from Osgood–Schlatter disease.[4]

Playing career

Playing as a midfielder he also spent time with non-League clubs, including Barking,[5] Romford,[6] AFC Hornchurch and Brentwood Town, before his career was ended by injury in 2007. Shortly after that, he was offered the assistant manager's job at Concord Rangers.[7]

Managerial career

Concord Rangers

When he took over at Concord Rangers (first as assistant and then as joint manager with Danny Scopes[8]), the club was playing in the Essex Senior Football League, in front of crowds of around 50 people. In his first season the club was promoted to the Isthmian League Division One North, and narrowly missed out on a second successive promotion the following year, before being promoted a year later. After two seasons of consolidation, Cowley won his third promotion with the club, this time to the National League South. In his last season in charge, Concord reached the first round proper of the FA Cup, while narrowly missing out on a play-off spot.[7]

Braintree Town

On 30 April 2015, Cowley became manager of Braintree Town.[9] That season Braintree secured their highest-ever finish of third place in the National League, and qualified for the play-offs.[10] In the play-off semi-finals, they won the first leg at Grimsby Town, defeating them 1–0,[11] before losing the second leg 2–0 at home, failing to qualify for the final as his side lost 2–1 on aggregate.[12]

Lincoln City

After just one season in charge of Braintree Town, Cowley moved on again, this time to Lincoln City on 13 May 2016.[13] During Cowley's first season in charge of Lincoln, he oversaw the club's promotion back to the Football League – doing so by winning the National League title with two games to spare.[14]

In the same season Lincoln became the first non-league club to reach the quarter-final of the FA Cup in over a century, knocking out Championship sides Ipswich Town and Brighton & Hove Albion, followed by Premier League side Burnley, in the process.[15] Lincoln eventually lost 5–0 to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.[16] In April 2018, with their contracts due to end in 2021, Cowley and his brother signed contract extensions lasting until 2022.[17] On 8 April 2018, he led his team to the EFL Trophy final against Shrewsbury Town at Wembley Stadium which they won 1–0 owing to a goal by Elliott Whitehouse. It was Lincoln's first ever game at Wembley.[18]

In Lincoln's first season back in the league (2017–18) they finished the season seventh in League Two qualifying for the play-offs, where they were soundly beaten by Exeter City in the semi-final. [19]

The following season, Cowley guided Lincoln to promotion to League One, returning to the third tier of English football for the first time since 1999.[20] On 22 April 2019, Cowley led Lincoln as champions to League One after a 0–0 draw at home to Tranmere Rovers.[21]

Huddersfield Town

On 9 September 2019, Cowley left Lincoln to become the new Huddersfield Town manager. He and his assistant Nicky signed three-year contracts.[22] After a successful run of six games unbeaten throughout the month, Cowley won the EFL Championship Manager of the Month award for October 2019.[23] On 17 July 2020, Huddersfield defeated promotion-seeking West Bromwich Albion to all but ensure the club's Championship survival.[24] Despite this, Cowley was sacked two days later, with chairman Phil Hodgkinson outlining the need for a "different vision" going forward as the reason for relieving Cowley of the role.[25]

Portsmouth

On 19 March 2021, Danny Cowley was appointed as head coach of Portsmouth on a contract until the end of the 2020–21 season, with his brother Nicky once again joining as his assistant.[26] In his first game in charge at the club, Portsmouth would come from behind to beat Ipswich Town 2–1.[27] On 11 May 2021, after overseeing 6 wins in 12 matches in charge, Cowley signed a new "long term" deal with the club.[28] Cowley won the EFL League One Manager of the Month award for November 2021 after winning thirteen points from five matches.[29] However, inconsistent form meant the club finished in tenth position, ten points short of the play-off positions.[30]

Cowley started the 2022–23 season in style, winning the League One Manager of the Month award for August 2022 after picking up thirteen points from a possible fifteen that saw Portsmouth in early contention for an automatic promotion spot.[31] This strong start to the season fell away and following a run of over two months without a league victory, Cowley was sacked on 2 January 2023, with his side sitting in 12th position.[32]

Colchester United

On 4 January 2024, Cowley was appointed head coach of League Two club Colchester United.[33]

Cowley's first game in charge of Colchester saw his team earn a 2-2 draw against Swindon, despite being 2-0 down in the first half. Cowley's first home game as Colchester manager ended 1-1 against Bradford. Cowley ended January unbeaten as Colchester manager when the U's won 1-0 at Morecambe - Cowley's third match as Colchester Manager. Under Cowley, The U's become a much stronger and harder team to beat, with Cowley being unbeaten in 6 of his 20 league matches. Within these 20 matches, the U's drew 10 of these. Back to back wins at Crawley Town (3-2) and Grimsby Town (2-0) put the U's in a strong position to avoid relegation. The U's confirmed their League Two status on the final day of the season with a 1-1 draw against Crewe.

Danny and Nicky Cowley have become real fan favourites of the club, with flags of the duo being waved inside the stadium before matches.

Personal life

Growing up, Cowley was a West Ham United supporter.[34] During his spells as manager of Concord Rangers and Braintree Town, Cowley combined his management role with teaching Physical Education at FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh, Essex.[35] Cowley has a brother, Nicky, who played alongside him at Romford and has been his assistant manager at Concord Rangers, Braintree Town, Lincoln City, Huddersfield Town, Portsmouth and Colchester United.[2]

Cowley graduated from the University of Greenwich in 2002, obtaining a bachelor's degree in Physical Education.[36]

Managerial statistics

As of match played 26 October 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
Concord Rangers 27 June 2008 30 April 2015 381 201 76 104 052.76 [8][37]
Braintree Town 30 April 2015 13 May 2016 53 26 13 14 049.06 [9][13][38]
Lincoln City 13 May 2016 9 September 2019 184 98 48 38 053.26 [13][39]
Huddersfield Town 9 September 2019 19 July 2020 40 13 11 16 032.50
Portsmouth 19 March 2021 2 January 2023 97 42 27 28 043.30
Colchester United 4 January 2024 Present 37 7 18 12 018.92
Total 790 384 194 212 048.61

Honours

As a manager

Lincoln City

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Welcome: Danny Cowley". Vital Lincoln City. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  2. ^ a b "It was only matter of time before Danny and Nicky Cowley made national news and Arsenal should beware". Romford Recorder. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  3. ^ Khan, Danyal (26 October 2016). "EXCLUSIVE: Lincoln City boss Danny Cowley talks about devastating end to his playing career". The Linc. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  4. ^ "Danny Cowley recalls his years on the books of Wimbledon during the Crazy Gang era". Lincolnshire Echo. 2 November 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  5. ^ "Archive Season 1998/99". Barking F.C. Official Website. Archived from the original on 9 May 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  6. ^ "Danny Cowley – Ex players". Romford F.C. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  7. ^ a b "Lincoln's 'Special One' Danny Cowley is plotting to take down Wenger's Arsenal". The Bleacher Report. 9 March 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  8. ^ a b Marshall, Dick (27 June 2008). "Cowley and Scopes head up Concord team". echo-news. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  9. ^ a b "Danny Cowley: Braintree Town appoint Concord Rangers boss". BBC Sport. 30 April 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  10. ^ "Meet Danny Cowley: The PE teacher and non-league Ranieri doing a Leicester City at Braintree Town". Just Football. 2 May 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  11. ^ "Grimsby Town 0–1 Braintree Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  12. ^ "National League: Braintree Town 0–2 Grimsby Town (A.E.T) – (1–2 agg.)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  13. ^ a b c "Danny Cowley: Lincoln City name new manager after Braintree Town resignation". BBC Sport. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  14. ^ "Lincoln City sealed their return to the English Football League after a six-year absence, thanks to Terry Hawkridge's brace against Macclesfield, after a six-year absence since relegation in 2011". BBC. 22 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  15. ^ "Burnley 0–1 Lincoln City". BBC Sport. 18 February 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  16. ^ White, Jim (11 March 2017). "Danny Cowley's valiant Lincoln City displayed a togetherness Arsenal can only dream of". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  17. ^ "Cowley brothers sign contract extensions at Lincoln City". 26 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Lincoln City 1–0 Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  19. ^ "Lincoln draw to secure play-off place". BBC Sport. 5 May 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  20. ^ "Lincoln 1–1 Cheltenham: Cowley delighted with promotion". BBC Sport. 13 April 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2019.
  21. ^ "Lincoln City 0–0 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. 22 April 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  22. ^ "Danny Cowley: Huddersfield Town appoint Lincoln City boss as manager". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  23. ^ "Sky bet championship manager of the month".
  24. ^ Newsum, Matt (17 July 2020). "Huddersfield beat Baggies to send Leeds up". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  25. ^ "CLUB STATEMENT: DANNY COWLEY". htafc.com. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  26. ^ "Portsmouth appoint Cowley as head coach". BBC Sport. 19 March 2021.
  27. ^ "Portsmouth 2 – 1 Ipswich Town". BBC Sport. 20 March 2021.
  28. ^ "Cowley signs deal to remain Pompey boss". BBC Sport.
  29. ^ a b "Sky Bet EFL Manager and Player of the Month: November winners!". www.efl.com. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  30. ^ "2021-22 English League One Table". ESPN. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  31. ^ a b "Cowley Named Manager Of The Month". www.portsmouthfc.co.uk. 13 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  32. ^ "Pompey Part Company With Danny And Nicky Cowley". www.portsmouthfc.co.uk. 2 January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  33. ^ "Col U Bring In Cowley". www.cu-fc.com. 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  34. ^ McRae, Donald (7 March 2017). "Lincoln's Danny Cowley: 'We have one-in-1,000 chance at Arsenal but we can do it'". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  35. ^ "Braintree Town's Danny Cowley: The PE teacher on verge of Football League". BBC Sport. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  36. ^ "Greenwich to FA Cup glory: Danny Cowley, Lincoln City manager". University of Greenwich. 7 March 2017. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  37. ^ "Football Club History Database – Concord Rangers". fchd.info. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  38. ^ "Braintree: Results: 2015/16". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  39. ^ "Lincoln: Results: 2016/17". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 August 2019. Individual seasons accessed via dropdown menu.
  40. ^ "DANNY COWLEY – OCTOBER MANAGER OF THE MONTH!". www.htafc.com. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  41. ^ "Manager of the Month: Danny Cowley - Lincoln City". www.efl.com. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  42. ^ "Manager of the Month: Danny Cowley". www.efl.com. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  43. ^ "Chris Wilder beats Pep Guardiola to LMA Manager of the Year award". The Independent. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  44. ^ "October Vanarama National League Manager Of The Month". www.redimps.co.uk. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  45. ^ "The Winners From The National League Awards Revealed". Pitchero Non-League. 11 June 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2022.