Profile: Danny Gabbidon

Vital QPR takes a closer look at new signing Danny Gabbidon.

Name: Danny Gabbidon

Date of Birth: 8/8/79

Previous Clubs: West Brom, Cardiff City, West Ham United

Appearances (Goals): 306 (10)

Gabbidon started his career at West Brom, turning professional in 1998. He made his first team debut in a 1-0 home defeat against Ipswich Town on 20 March 1999 and, utilised as a right-back, he went on to make 27 appearances for West Brom in all competitions. Managerial changes and limited first team opportunities saw him join Cardiff City on loan at the start of the 2000/2001 season.

The defender joined Cardiff permanently in September 2000 on a four year deal, for a fee rising up to a possible £500 000. He was instrumental in leading Cardiff to promotion in the 2001/2002 season, featuring in the playoff final versus QPR. Gabbidon made his international debut in March 2002, and having stayed at the club for five years, made over 200 appearances for the Welsh side. A financial crisis at Cardiff saw Gabbidon leave for West Ham in July 2005.

Gabbidon soon established himself in central defence alongside Anton Ferdinand, and was voted 'Hammer of the Year` after his performances in the 2005/2006 season. Injuries saw the 32 year old drop down the pecking order at Upton Park, and after making nearly 100 league appearances for The Hammers he was released at the end of the 2010/2011 season.

The central defender joins QPR back in the Premier League and will be determined to help the Rs in their survival battle for the 2011/2012 season.

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