Neil Danns, undoubtedly one of the best players to feature for the Golden Jaguars, is seen as a necessary component of Coach Jamaal Shabazz’s set-up for the Golden Jaguars.

“I think you need a player like Danns, with his confidence on the ball and his experience,” Shabazz said during an appearance yesterday on ‘592Sports’ on 94.1 BOOM FM.

A hailstorm of criticism fell on the roof of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and former head coach, Marcio Maximo, when Danns didn’t find a place in the team for Guyana’s 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, now playing for Macclesfield Football Club, found the net nine times, while assisting on most of Guyana’s goals since then.

In fact, Danns made his debut for Guyana under Coach Shabazz when the Golden Jaguars defeated Grenada 2–0 at the Guyana National Stadium, with the England-based player assisting in both goals which were scored by Pernell Schultz.

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, but insisted that he’s still committed to being part of Guyana’s National team.

Asked about Danns’ inclusion, Shabbazz believes having the now 38-year-old around will give the rest of players the “belief that we can do something, similar to Gregory Richardson.”

Shabazz said he spoke to Danns following last Friday’s press conference where his return to the helm of the Golden Jaguars was announced.

“For me, even at his age, I want Danns in the squad because he has a purpose. He knows that, we’ve already discussed it. How long he would play; that would be relative to things happening going forward but he clearly understands his role in the team going forward.”

Shabazz reassured football fans that he will also seek out the best young talents, both locally and in the diaspora, as he explained, “people will have to understand. To get experience, you’ll have to give opportunity. It’s a risk we’ll have to take and we have the time to do it and I’m prepared to take that risk and make that blend.”

Age is nothing but a number for Danns, who said he’s fuelled by “Just the pure love for football.”
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.