Dan Harding

Brighton & Hove Albion

Harding joined the Brighton & Hove Albion youth scheme in 1999 aged sixteen. After a successful run in the reserves he made his first Albion appearance as a substitute for Shaun Wilkinson in the 79th minute in a 2–0 home loss against Norwich City on 17 August 2002. This was his only appearance in the 2002–03 season after he suffered a back injury in October. In April 2003 Harding signed his first professional contract with the club. After impressing in 2003–04 pre-season friendlies, Harding spent the first half of the season on the substitutes' bench with seven appearances. Soon after the appointment of manager Mark McGhee, Harding was selected to make his full debut against AFC Bournemouth on 21 February 2004 following the suspension of Kerry Mayo. The game ended in a 3–0 win for Bournemouth. Harding remained in the starting eleven for the remainder of the 2003–04 season and helped the club gain promotion to the Championship after beating Bristol City 1–0 in the play-off final in Cardiff. Harding finished the season making twenty-three appearances. Harding was sent-off in the second match of the 2004–2005 season, a 2–0 loss to Plymouth Argyle. After the game manager Mark McGhee defended Harding and he regained his first team place and then scored his first goal for the club, in a 1–0 win over against Rotherham United. However, in the next game against Millwall Harding was at fault for the two goals which saw Brighton lose 2–0. He was also…

In August 2004, Harding was called up by England under-21, which he describe the moment that left him shocked. Harding made his England U21 debut on 17 August 2004, in a 3–1 win over Ukraine U21. After the match, Harding was praised by Manager Taylor, quoting: "I was pleased with Dan. He has come on for 45 minutes and played very sensibly. He did not get beaten once." His performance was also praised by The Argus for his "combining intelligent use of the ball with sound defending". Harding went to make three more appearances for England U21.

Harding owned a Cocker Spaniel named Poppy. Harding revealed he grew up supporting Leeds United. In October 2008, Harding's mother died from cancer. Harding dedicated his goal to his mother after scoring against his former club, Leeds United. Harding is friends with Matt Richards. Harding and his wife, Vicki, have three children. In 2015, his wife was expecting triplets, but only one child survived.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Football League Second Division play-offs: 2004 Southampton

Football League Trophy: 2009–10 Football League One runner-up: 2010–11 Football League Championship runner-up: 2011–12 Individual

PFA Team of the Year: 2010–11 League One