In October 2021, we were thrilled to announce the signing of Sky Blues 90′ midfielder Julian Darby as our newest member.
As a result, this is only the second time we have had the opportunity to wish our Bolton-born former midfielder (born 3rd October 1967) a ‘Many Happy Returns’ of the day.
Julian is turning 56 years old today. Today, we wish you a very ‘Happy Birthday’ on behalf of all Sky Blue fans!
Julian played for the Sky Blues (1993-95) and five other clubs throughout his fifteen-year professional career (1986-2001). He coached at Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Bolton Wanderers, and Preston North End after retiring from playing.
Julian began his career at his hometown club Bolton Wanderers in 1986 and spent seven seasons there, scoring 36 goals and winning the Associate Members Cup in 1989 with the Trotters scoring in the final at Wembley.
He signed for CCFC for £150,000 and made his debut for new boss Phil Neal in a 2-1 Highfield Road win over Everton on November 6, 1993, coming off the bench for (now fellow CCFPA member) Sean Flynn. Late that month, he made his complete league debut in a 1-0 home loss to Manchester United.
Julian joined West Bromwich Albion for £200,000 on November 16, 1995, after wearing the Sky Blue first team shirt 62 times and scoring six goals.
The Baggies have played 39 games and scored one goal. Julian joined Preston North End in 1997 and, after a three-game loan spell at Rotherham United in 1998, he joined Carlisle United in 2000, having played 36 times for the Lilywhites and scoring once. The Cumbrian club was his final stop before retiring in 2001, having made an additional eighteen appearances (scoring once).
His following coaching career began with Preston North End (as first team coach), followed by similar roles at Derby County (2006) and Nottingham Forest (Jan. 2009 – June 2011).
Then, in 2012, he became U16 coach at his previous club Bolton Wanderers before returning to Forest as first team coach (February 2013 – March 2014). In July 2015, he moved to Leeds United to do the same job, before returning to Bolton for the third time in August 2017 to work in the Trotters’ Academy. Julian has been promoted by the Trotters from U16s Manager to U18s Manager since May 2022!
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