Dan Hanford


Daniel James Hanford is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Southport. He has previously played for Clitheroe, Hereford United, Carlisle United and Gateshead.

Club career

Early career

Born in Swansea, Hanford played in the youth system of Swansea City between the ages of 7 and 16. After spells at Rochdale and Clitheroe, he joined the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain. He returned to England in 2011 to play for Hereford United, although his two-year spell there was marred by the club's financial troubles and his own lack of first team opportunities. At the end of the 2012–13 season, he moved to Malta to play for Floriana. After a successful season as a first team regular and winning a cup, he moved to Carlisle United ahead of the 2014–15 season.

Carlisle United

Hanford joined Carlisle after their relegation to League Two in the 2013–14 season. He was signed on a one-year contract as the understudy to the club's regular goalkeeper Mark Gillespie. He made his debut for Carlisle in September 2014, in a 1–0 win against Tranmere, after Gillespie suffered a groin injury. He made many appearances that season.
In 2015–16, Hanford found his chances limited to a couple of cup appearances only due to Gillespie's good form.
In May 2016, he was released.

Gateshead

After a successful trial in the summer of 2016, Hanford signed a one-year deal with National League side Gateshead.

Southport

In May 2018 he joined Southport on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.

International career

Hanford has represented Wales at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels.

Career statistics