Danny Coles
Daniel Richard Coles (born 30 October 1981) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender. His playing career included spells at Bristol City, Hull City, Bristol Rovers, Exeter City and his last club, Forest Green Rovers. Career Bristol City Coles began his career at Bristol City. He made his debut for the club on 24 April 2000 in a 2–2 home draw against Oxford United. He became a regular fix in the squad at Ashton Gate Stadium two seasons later during the 2001-02 campaign. He scored his first goal for the club in December 2001 in a 2–0 away win over Wrexham. In January 2003, he helped Bristol City to the third round of the FA Cup and played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 away defeat against Leicester City. Later that year, he was named Young Player of the Year at the club for the 2002–03 season. He played a central role in the Bristol City side that reached the Division Two play-off final in May 2004, only to lose 1–0 against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in front of 65,167 spectators. In July 2005, he was arrested and charged for being drunk and disorderly during a pre-season trip. In February 2005, he was placed on the transfer list at Ashton Gate Stadium. Hull City On 26 July 2005, Coles was signed by Hull City manager Peter Taylor for a fee of £200,000. He made his debut for Hull on 6 August 2005 in a goalless home draw against QPR. After a promising start having agreed a two-year contract at the club, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury which ruled him out for the remainder of the 2005–06 season. He returned to full fitness in October 2006, coming on as a half time substitute in a 2–0 away defeat against Burnley at Turf Moor. Hartlepool United Struggling to break into the first team at Hull at the start of the 2007-08, on 1 October 2007 he signed for League One side Hartlepool United on a one-month loan deal. He made his debut for Hartlepool five days later in a 2–1 away defeat against Nottingham Forest. Bristol Rovers On 1 November 2007, Coles joined Bristol Rovers in League One on a 3-month loan from Hull City. The move became permanent on 8 January 2008 when he moved for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with The Pirates. On 6 January 2008, he scored his first goal for Bristol Rovers in a third round FA Cup tie away to Premier League outfit Fulham. On 12 August 2008, he ended speculation about his future by signing a new two-year contract extension with The Pirates, despite interest in him from Plymouth Argyle. On 11 October 2008, he scored in a 2–1 home win over Leyton Orient however suffered a serious knee injury. He visited American specialist Bill Knowles during the off-season and returned to The Pirates' squad for the 2009–10 season.