Dan Sweeney (footballer)

Daniel Liam Sweeney (born 25 April 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for the EFL League One club Stevenage.

Dan Sweeney
Personal information
Full name Daniel Liam Sweeney[1]
Date of birth (1994-04-25) 25 April 1994[2]
Place of birth Kingston upon Thames, England
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)[2]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
 Stevenage
Number 6
Youth career
0000–2012 AFC Wimbledon
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2013 AFC Wimbledon 0 (0)
2013–2015 Kingstonian 102 (10)
2015 Dulwich Hamlet 10 (6)
2015–2016 Maidstone United 44 (3)
2017–2020 Barnet 83 (1)
2017 → Hampton & Richmond Borough (loan) 4 (0)
2020–2022 Forest Green Rovers 57 (1)
2022– Stevenage 46 (5)
International career‡
2016 England C 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:23, 10 September 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 25 December 2016

Club career

AFC Wimbledon

In July 2012, Sweeney was one of five academy prospects to be invited to train with the AFC Wimbledon first team and play for the development squad after the club pulled out of the Suburban League.[3]

It is often claimed that Sweeney made a single appearance for the first team in February 2013, although this has proved untrue with Peter Sweeney instead featuring against Wycombe Wanderers.[4]

Kingstonian

In March 2013, Sweeney joined tenants Kingstonian following his release from AFC Wimbledon.[5] On 4 March, he made his debut in a 2–1 London Senior Cup victory over Hanwell Town.[6] On 6 April, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–2 Isthmian Premier Division defeat to Whitehawk.[7]

In October 2013, Sweeney was offered a trial with the Championship side Ipswich Town and spent a week training with the club.[8] He made a single appearance for the Reserve team.[9]

On 15 June 2014, Sweeney signed a one-year contract to remain at Kingsmeadow.[10] Despite being offered a contract ahead of the 2015–16 season, Sweeney rejected the offer and played for the K's on non-contract terms.[11]

On 6 October 2015, he made his final appearance from the bench in the Alan Turvey Trophy in a 2–2 draw with Hendon. Taking the K's second penalty, Sweeney hit the crossbar but saw his side win 3–1 on penalties.[12]

Dulwich Hamlet

On 9 October 2015, Sweeney joined Isthmian Premier Division side Dulwich Hamlet following a seven-day approach.[11] On 10 October, he assisted and scored on his debut in a 4–1 victory at Farnborough.[13] He also scored in the subsequent five fixtures, claiming the Man of the Match award on two occasions.[14][15]

On 21 November, Sweeney recorded his second assist for the club in a 3–2 win at Bognor Regis Town.[16] After his early goalscoring form, Sweeney attracted the attention of a number of Football League clubs.[17] His final appearance came in a 1–0 defeat to Needham Market on 5 December.[18]

Maidstone United

On 12 December 2015, Sweeney completed a move to National League South side Maidstone United.[19] On 19 December, he made his debut in a 1–0 defeat at Hayes & Yeading United.[20] He scored his first goal for the club four games later, opening the scoring inside three minutes in a 2–0 win against Bath City.[21]

On 27 February 2016, he received the first dismissal of his career with a second yellow card during a 2–1 defeat at Havant & Waterlooville.[22]

After finishing third in the league with 77 points, Maidstone earned a place in the play-offs. Sweeney featured in both legs of the semifinal 3–0 aggregate victory over Truro City, and came off the bench in the 87th minute of the play-off final at Ebbsfleet United. With the game tied at 2–2 after 120 minutes, Sweeney converted his team's fifth and final penalty to seal promotion to the National League.[23]

On 8 April, the club announced Sweeney had agreed to sign a new deal ahead of the 2016–17 season.[24]

Making 15 consecutive league appearances at the start of the season, Sweeney scored his first National League goal in a 4–2 victory over Solihull Moors on 1 October.[25] On 17 December, he made his final appearance for the club in a 2–1 defeat to North Ferriby United.[26]

Barnet

On 22 December 2016, it was announced Sweeney would join League Two club Barnet for an undisclosed fee.[27] Joining up with the squad for training immediately, he officially joined on 1 January.[28] He made his English Football League debut the following day as a substitute against Plymouth Argyle.[29] Sweeney played only four times for the Bees between January and October and was loaned out to Hampton & Richmond Borough on 13 October 2017.[30] Following his return from loan, Sweeney worked his way back into the team, and began playing in a centre-back role following the appointment of Graham Westley in January 2018. After Martin Allen took over two months later, Sweeney was made captain.[31] He won the player of the season award for 2017–18, a feat he repeated the following season.[32][33] Sweeney left Barnet following the expiration of his contract in June 2020.[34]

Forest Green Rovers

Sweeney signed for League Two club Forest Green Rovers on 1 July 2020 on a two-year deal.[35]

Stevenage

On 18 June 2022, Sweeney agreed to join Stevenage on a free transfer following a title-winning campaign with Forest Green Rovers.[36]

International career

In June 2016, Sweeney was called up to the England C squad after initially being placed on a contingency list.[37] On 5 June, he made his only appearance for the national team in a 4–3 International Challenge Trophy defeat to Slovakia U21s. Sweeney came off the bench in the 70th minute to replace Elliott Whitehouse.[38]

Personal life

Sweeney's brother Ryan (born 1997) was also in the academy at AFC Wimbledon.[39]

Career statistics
As of match played 11 February 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
AFC Wimbledon 2012–13[40] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Kingstonian 2012–13[5] Isthmian Premier Division 6 2 0 0 0 0 4[lower-alpha 1] 0 10 2
2013–14[5] Isthmian Premier Division 42 5 1 0 3 0 4[lower-alpha 2] 1 50 6
2014–15[5] Isthmian Premier Division 42 2 1 0 4 0 1[lower-alpha 3] 0 48 2
2015–16[5] Isthmian Premier Division 12 1 2 0 2 1 0 0 16 2
Total 102 10 4 0 9 1 9 1 124 12
Dulwich Hamlet 2015–16[17] Isthmian Premier Division 10 6 0 0 0 0 2[lower-alpha 4] 0 12 6
Maidstone United 2015–16[41] National League South 21 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 1
2016–17[41] National League 23 2 2 0 0 0 2[lower-alpha 5] 0 27 2
Total 44 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 48 3
Barnet 2016–17[42] League Two 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
2017–18 League Two 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0
2018–19 National League 41 1 7 0 0 0 5[lower-alpha 6] 0 53 1
2019–20 National League 17 0 2 0 0 0 3[lower-alpha 7] 0 22 0
Total 83 1 9 0 0 0 8 0 100 1
Hampton & Richmond Borough (loan) 2017–18 National League South 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Forest Green Rovers 2020–21[43] League Two 21 0 1 0 1 0 5[lower-alpha 8] 0 28 0
2021–22[44] League Two 36100102[lower-alpha 9]0391
Total 571102070671
Stevenage 2022–23[45] League Two 27440304[lower-alpha 9]1385
Career total 323 25 20 0 14 1 32 2 390 28
  1. Four appearances in the London Senior Cup
  2. One appearance in the FA Trophy, one appearance in the London Senior Cup and two appearances and one goal in the Surrey Senior Cup
  3. One appearance in the FA Trophy
  4. Two appearances in the FA Trophy
  5. Two appearances in the FA Trophy
  6. Five appearances in the FA Trophy
  7. Three appearances in the FA Trophy
  8. Three appearances in EFL Trophy and two in EFL League Two play-offs
  9. Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

Honours

Forest Green Rovers

Stevenage

References
  1. https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/efl-released-and-retained-list---2016-17.pdf. Archived 27 October 2019 at the Wayback Machine
  2. "Dan Sweeney". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  3. Chris Slavin (4 July 2012). "Club announcement". AFC Wimbledon. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  4. "AFC Wimbledon v Wycombe Wanderers, 12 January 2013". 11v11. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  5. "Daniel Sweeney – First Team – Kingstonian FC". www.kingstonian.com. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  6. "Kingstonian 2 vs. 1 Hanwell Town – 4 March 2013 – First Team". Kingstonian FC. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  7. "Kingstonian 2 vs. 3 Whitehawk – 6 April 2013 – First Team". Kingstonian FC. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  8. "Kingstonian Confirm Sweeney Trial". Ipswich Town News. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  9. "Dan Sweeney". Pride of Anglia. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  10. "Daniel Sweeney – News – Kingstonian FC". www.kingstonian.com. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  11. "Daniel Sweeney leaves the K's". Kingstonian FC. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  12. "Hendon 2 vs. 2 Kingstonian – 6 October 2015 – First Team". Kingstonian FC. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  13. "Farnborough 1 vs. 4 Dulwich Hamlet – 10 October 2015 – First XI – Dulwich Hamlet Football Club". www.pitchero.com. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  14. "Dulwich Hamlet 1 vs. 2 Metropolitan Police – 13 October 2015 – First XI – Dulwich Hamlet Football Club". www.pitchero.com. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  15. "Hampton & Richmond Borough 2 vs. 1 Dulwich Hamlet – 20 October 2015 – First XI – Dulwich Hamlet Football Club". www.pitchero.com. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  16. "Bognor Regis Town 2 vs. 3 Dulwich Hamlet – 21 November 2015 – First XI – Dulwich Hamlet Football Club". www.pitchero.com. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  17. "Dan Sweeney – First XI – Dulwich Hamlet Football Club". www.pitchero.com. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  18. "Dulwich Hamlet 0 vs. 1 Needham Market – 5 December 2015 – First XI – Dulwich Hamlet Football Club". www.pitchero.com. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  19. "Maidstone United FC » Sweeney signs for the Stones". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. 12 December 2015. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  20. "Maidstone United FC » Hayes & Yeading 1–0 Maidstone United". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  21. "Maidstone United FC » Bath City 0–2 Maidstone United". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  22. "Maidstone United FC » Havant & Waterlooville 2–1 Maidstone United". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  23. "Ebbsfleet United 2 Maidstone United 2 match report (aet, Stones win 4–3 on penalties)". Kent Online. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  24. "Maidstone United FC » Sweeney stays for next season". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. 8 April 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  25. "Maidstone United FC » Maidstone United 2–4 Solihull Moors". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  26. "Maidstone United FC » Maidstone United 1–2 North Ferriby United". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  27. "Bees agree Sweeney deal". Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  28. "Dan Sweeney: Barnet to sign Maidstone United midfielder for undisclosed fee". BBC Sport. 22 December 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  29. Barnet 1 – 0 Plymouth Argyle
  30. Loan | Dan Sweeney joins Hampton & Richmond Borough
  31. News | Further update from Martin Allen
  32. News | 2017/18 Player of the Season Awards
  33. News | 18/19 Player of the Year Award Winners
  34. Play off squad confirmed
  35. "Forest Green sign midfielder Sweeney". BBC Sport.
  36. "Stevenage complete Sweeney signing". www.stevenagefc.com. 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  37. "Maidstone United FC » Sweeney gets England C call up". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. 2 June 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  38. Association, The Football. "England C edged out 4–3 by Slovakia Under-21s in ICT thriller". www.thefa.com. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  39. A rise through the ranks
  40. "AFC Wimbledon | Player Profile | Dan Sweeney". www.wimbledonheritage.co.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  41. "Maidstone United FC » Fixtures and results". www.maidstoneunited.co.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  42. "Dan Sweeney | Football Stats | Maidstone United | Age 22 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
  43. "Games played by Dan Sweeney in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  44. "Games played by Dan Sweeney in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  45. "Games played by Dan Sweeney in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  46. "Mansfield Town 2–2 Forest Green Rovers: Draw seals title for Rovers". BBC Sport. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  47. "Reeves goal secures Stevenage second spot". BBC Sport. 8 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
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