St Johnstone Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Danny Griffin as our new under-19s coach.
Danny, of course, is no stranger to everyone at McDiarmid Park and came through the Saints academy himself after arriving in Perth from Northern Ireland as a young 15-year-old in 1994.
He progressed to star for the first team and made more than 120 appearances, as well as earning international recognition with his country.
Most recently, Danny has been football co-ordinator with Saints in the Community.
After becoming the new U19s coach, he said: “This is a chance that I have always really wanted and it is a great opportunity for me.
“I started here as a 15-year-old wanting to become a footballer. I lived my dream through this football club.
“Now being able to help other youngsters try to live that same dream is going to be very special. Pre-season is just around the corner so it is an exciting time.”
Danny, who captained Saints at the age of just 18 and was involved in memorable European games against VPS Vaasa and Monaco, officially begins his new role on Monday.
He continued: “I like to think I’ve learned a lot over the years in football – and sometimes learned the hard way. I have experience to pass on to these guys.
“I’ll need them all to work hard. It’s down to them how far they want to go. But I’ll certainly be doing my very best to help them every step of the way.
“This football club has a reputation of bringing talented kids through the academy – there is no reason we can’t keep doing it.”
Danny made sure to thank the St Johnstone Community Trust and all those he has worked with.
He said: “I have worked with the St Johnstone Community Trust for a long time now, starting with Atholl Henderson. It has been a great time.
“A big thank you goes to everyone at the trust and to all the kids and parents who I have had the pleasure of dealing with over the years.”
A full interview with Danny will be available to watch on Saints TV.
Please note, due to SFA youth football restructuring, we will have an under-19 team and an under-17 team moving forward. All younger age groups will operate as before.
PHOTO: CHRIS LOGAN PHOTOGRAPHY
