Let's take a sentimental journey back to 27th December 1991, when Danny Wilson graced this unsuspecting planet with his presence. Born in a corner of the world known as Scotland, he chose the thankless job of football defender. Why, you ask? Perhaps it was the appeal of constantly blocking aggressive forwards or maybe he just liked the number 27 on his jersey. The lad is an imposing figure, standing tall at a sturdy 6ft 2in (1.88m), and tips the scales at a not-insignificant 12st 3lb (78kg). He currently busies himself running around for Livingston, trying his best to thwart ambitious strikers.
His current market value, recorded in the esteemed ledgers of Transfermarkt, is a modest €150k (£128k). But hey, who needs stinking millions when you can have the undying adoration of sport analysts?
Once upon a time, back in July 2007, our young protagonist set his heart on Premiership football, lacing up his boots for Rangers in the Scottish wilds. He even scored the odd goal here and there, quite a feat for a chap who earns his corn preventing them.
Adventurous lad that he is, Wilson decided to swap the cold shores of Scotland for the slightly less cold terrains of Liverpool. About £2m later, he was playing for Liverpool in the Premier League, making a grand total of two appearances in the entire season. Admit it, we've all been there.
Our oft-travelled hero then shipped off to a variety of locales, such as Blackpool and Bristol, before finding himself back on familiar grounds in Scotland, defending the colours of Hearts, having traded Liverpool's heraldry for theirs. Then, like some demented footballing boomerang, he returned to Rangers. Sweet, sweet homecoming.
New year, new adventure and our wandering minstrel packed his boots for a transatlantic jaunt to Colorado Rapids for a hefty £250k. After several seasons enjoying the Rocky Mountain air, Wilson bid adieu to the Americans and ventured back to Scotland. First stop was Queen's Park, then a stint in, err, somewhere. Sorry dear reader, my notes seem to have suffered a wee hiccup there. However, we can confidently say he's now back where he belongs, defending Livingston's goal with his usual enthusiasm.
His exploits have been a mixed bag, with some success in the League Cup, appearances in the Scottish Cup and some goal-scoring escapades in the Premiership Play-offs. At 33, there's still time for a few more chapters in this footballing odyssey. But for now, Wilson perseveres in a world of sliding tackles, bruising headers and muddy knees. And doesn't that just warm your cynical heart?
