… Neil Danns not retired from International Football

A HAILSTORM of criticism fell on the roof of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and head coach Marcio Maximo, following the non-selection of Neil Danns for Guyana’s opening matches of their FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier campaign.
However, most pundits and fans who vented their frustration were a bit more perturbed by the manner in which the former Leicester City and Crystal Palace midfield player was treated by the Brazilian coach who, Danns said, refused to even engage him on his involvement with the Golden Jaguars.
Since lacing up for Golden Jaguars in 2015, Danns found the net nine times, while assisting on most of Guyana’s goals since then.
“I haven’t retired from international football,” the 38-year-old told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview from Wales where he’s based, having signed for Connah’s Quay Nomads, the reigning Wales Premier League champions.

“But unfortunately at this point in time I’ve been omitted from the squad and at the moment, I’ll see what will happen,” Danns said.
Danns, who has made over 400 appearances in the Football League with stellar careers at Blackpool, Hartlepool United and Colchester United, was vocal on social media about his omission and how it unfolded, while adding that “I just think that it’s important for the future of the programme that players do speak up sometimes.”
“The last thing I want to do is cause any distraction to the players going into the World Cup qualifying games and I wish them all the luck. They’re like brothers to me. But I just feel like for everything that we’ve all worked for to get in this position, this sort of treatment coming from the head coach, someone has to speak up and if that someone has to be me it’s a sacrifice to the greater cause then so be it,” Danns opined.
Danns noted that “at the moment, I just want to wish the players on the squad the best of luck and I will be wearing my Golden Jaguars top and cheering on the boys.”

Age is nothing but a number for Danns, who made his Golden Jaguars debut against Grenada at the Guyana National Stadium. He has placed himself in the discussion as one of the best players to ever lace-up their cleats for the National team.
Asked what fuels his competitiveness to keep playing, Danns said, “Just the pure love for football.”
“Anyone who would have seen me play would say I have the same enthusiasm as a youngster and I’m filled with passion for the game, which helps me to keep going and keep myself in good condition and always ready,” Danns reasoned.
The Guyana international made 103 appearances for Crystal Palace, whilst also having permanent spells in the Football League at Leicester City, Bolton, Bury and Tranmere Rovers. Most recently, Danns has played for the likes of Radcliffe, Halifax Town and was on trial at Chorley, where the Nomads spotted him after their season was curtailed. The Golden Jaguars arrived in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday ahead of their March 25 and 30 clash against the Soca Warriors and The Bahamas.