Story Behind the Steelmen

An unfortunate aspect of football is that someone’s misfortune can often be another person’s big break. And it was a scenario like this – Shane Blaney’s injury shortly after signing – which led to Dan Casey penning that initial six-month deal at Motherwell.

Since then, the Irishman has been a much-needed rock at the heart of the Fir Park defence. Casey has established himself as one of the league’s most stubborn defenders. And let’s not forget the little fact that he scored one of the most celebrated goals in Motherwell’s recent history!

Starting out at Sunderland

Casey was always likely to embark on a sporting career. Alongside football, the Dubliner grew up playing Gaelic football for Cuala CLG and rugby with his school team. As he entered his teenage years, Casey settled on football as the sport he wanted to pursue.

But it would’ve been easy for him to choose rugby instead. His grandfather, Pat Casey, earned 12 caps for Ireland and scored one of the greatest tries in Irish rugby history against England in 1964. Perhaps set to follow in his footsteps, Dan’s exploits on the rugby pitch with CBC Monkstown led to an invite to have a look around Leinster’s facilities.

Anyway, back to Dan’s football career! The Irishman took his first steps in the sport with St Joseph’s Boys AFC in South County Dublin. Then, at 15 years old, Casey achieved what so many young Irish footballers dream of – a move ‘across the water’.

In 2013, the youngster started a four-year stint with Sunderland’s academy team as part of a footballing scholarship.

Initially, Casey turned out for the Black Cats’ under-18 side. Taking his first steps in full-time football, the defender competed in illustrious breeding grounds like the Under-18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup. A highlight from this period of Casey’s career was scoring the winner in a youth league match against Manchester United.

And it was with Sunderland’s under-18s where he first linked up with Michael Ledger. Ledger, a fellow defender trying to make his way in the game, ended up playing for Queen of the South and Greenock Morton later in his career.

“I remember Dan moved over from Ireland just before starting his scholarship. I went on to play many games alongside him and he was great to be out there with,” Ledger recalled.

“Physically, he was already a well-built, strong defender when he first came over. I remember he was well thought of among the coaching staff who managed to sign him. Dan was also a great lad off the field and fitted into the dressing room really well with James Talbot. They spent a lot of time together – both funny lads who were up for a laugh.

“Dan enjoyed the physical side of the game. He was very dominant in the air, quick and also confident in possession.”

He may have been developing over in England, but Casey was still on the radar back home. The Sunderland prospect was capped regularly by Republic of Ireland at under-15, under-16, under-17 and under-19 level.

Once Casey’s two-year scholarship finished, he was promoted to Sunderland’s under-23 side. Not only was the Irishman now playing alongside some of Britain’s finest youth prospects in the Premier League 2, he sampled senior football as well.

Elite English clubs are permitted to enter a colts side into the Football League Trophy – England’s version of the Challenge Cup. This meant a young Casey was part of Sunderland’s under-23 team which beat Wolves’ youths in the competition. Not to mention, the Dubliner also starred as the Black Cats disposed of Athletic Bilbao to reach the semi-final of the Premier League International Cup.

After four years at the Stadium of Light, Casey was craving first-team football. Where better to get it than by playing for a manager, Keith Long, who knew all about him from his St Joseph’s days.

Bohemian like Dan

At 19-years-old, Casey returned to his homeland fired up to earn some first-team football. After turning out for League of Ireland side Bohemians in a friendly against FC United of Manchester, Casey penned a one-year contract with them ahead of the 2017 season.

The defender had a decent first year in men’s football. His young Bohs side overachieved by finishing fifth and Casey became known as one of the nation’s up and coming defenders.

Casey was just bedding in during his first season and also suffered an injury, meaning he didn’t rack up as many appearances as you may have expected. But the Dubliner did enough to earn another year’s contract and really started turning heads during his second year in the red and black jersey.

And 2018 turned out to be Casey’s breakout season in men’s football. Not only did he display all the attributes of a young, hungry and capable defender – Casey wrote headlines at the other end of the pitch.

On 16 February 2018, the former Sunderland rookie bagged two goals against Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin Derby. During a hotly contested Friday night match, the Irish Mirror described Casey’s double as “late headers to floor arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers in a stunning come-from-behind win.”

This Bohemians side was packed full of exciting young prospects. But as is the case with any good developmental environment for up-and-coming players, they were bolstered by a core group of experienced professionals.

Casey just had to look over his shoulder to see a beacon of football experience – well-travelled goalkeeper Shane Supple. The Irishman started his career with Ipswich Town, where he had a loan stint at Falkirk, before returning to his homeland.

Supple said: “To be honest, Dan had just returned from Sunderland after playing academy football and was still learning the men’s game.

“But you could see Dan had the determination and hunger to succeed. So from that point of view, he always had a chance. It’s great to watch him these days playing at the level he is now and I’m delighted for him. Hopefully, he has plenty of years ahead of himself in the game.”

Casey’s double under the Friday night lights wasn’t his only goal involvement of the campaign. The youngster also popped up with a late leveller at Limerick to grab Bohemians a point – denying the hosts their first home victory for three months.

That season, Casey’s Gypsies also made it to the semi-finals of the FAI Cup. And in the quarterfinals at Derry City, the defender headed in from a corner as Bohemians won 3-1.

A new challenge would soon be in the offing for Casey. And Supple remembers the defender’s qualities that have helped him build a strong career across three countries.

Supple, who now works as an Account Manager at Heineken Off-Trade, said: “My memories playing with Dan Casey are of an extremely brave defender, sometimes stupidly so!

“He was a physical presence but was still learning the game at a senior level. So, there was plenty of development needed but he grew into his role quickly and established himself nicely into the team.”

Popping the Cork on a new season

As a Scottish football fan, trading in Bohemians for Cork City may seem like a sideward move.

But a venture down the south coast of Ireland would present Casey with a new challenge altogether – European football. The Rebel Army had qualified for the Europa League after a second-place finish in the previous season’s league campaign. Cork was also a full-time set up, unlike Bohs who trained four evenings per week.

Upon Casey’s arrival, City boss John Caulfield spoke to RTE and said: “Dan’s a young player who has made an impact on the league in the last year and a half. He has tremendous hunger to go to the highest level.”

After a few months to settle in, Casey was thrust into a Europa League first qualifying round match against Progres Niederkorn (who famously drove former Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha into the bushes in 2017).

Around the time of that European tie, Casey had been struggling with an injury. The former Bohemians man played the full game as the Irish side lost 2-0 at home. He was then subbed on during the dying embers of their 2-1 victory over in Luxembourg.

Cork City 1-2 Shamrock Rovers – Dan Casey pulls one back for the Rebels https://t.co/KW4UKeGaIr pic.twitter.com/Pon3bfGet8

— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) April 5, 2019

After a season of major upheaval, Cork slumped to eighth position in the league. Although, Casey did bag the winner against his old side as well as other goals against Shamrock Rovers and Sligo.

Meanwhile, back in Dublin, Bohemians were flying. Towards the end of the season, rumours started to emerge of Casey’s possible return to the capital city side, with some fans taking to social media to question why he was allowed to leave in the first place!

Bouncing back with Bohemians

As expected, Casey departed Cork after one solitary season at Turners Cross Stadium. His destination? A return to Bohemians!

The centre back may have left Bohs to gain experience of European football, but he found it again upon his return. Thanks to the previous season’s strong league position, the Dubliners had a Europa League qualifier against Hungarian side Fehervar to look forward to.

Sadly, this occasion fell in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Not only did Casey’s Bohs have to play the tie in front of no supporters – they only had one leg to try and get the job done.

Nevertheless, Casey played the entire match as the part-timers fought their way to a spirited 1-1 draw. But the Irishmen were sadly undone on penalties – with Casey missing from the spot. As Ross Tierney, a future Motherwell teammate, watched on from the sidelines, Casey tried to drill his penalty low to the goalkeeper’s right-hand side. The effort sent Hungarian international Adam Kovacsik the wrong way but it cannoned back off the post.

Domestically, the good times kept on rolling for Bohemians. Casey played regularly as the Dublin side finished runners-up in the League of Ireland.

All the way from St Joseph’s to the States

After four seasons, it’s fair to say Casey had seen it all in the League of Ireland. But what would come next?

Most players in his position would’ve perhaps sought a return to British football. And by the sounds of it, Casey was looking for a similar opportunity to begin with.

But one night in spring 2021, the Irishman received a late-night phone call from his agent. This was to inform him that Sacramento United, a team in the second tier of American football, had been tracking him for a few months.

Chatting to Motherwell FC in 2023, Casey reflected on the decision-making process which led to him taking his career Stateside. He said: “At first, it was never something that I had wanted. I know a lot of people say they want to go abroad but I was looking for something closer to home. Then this opportunity came up. When one like it arises, I don’t think you can say no.”

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 ✍️

Defender @DanCasey1997 joins the Indomitable Club for the 2021 @USLChampionship season. Welcome to Sacramento, Dan!

📝 https://t.co/ugGZ6ARU7V pic.twitter.com/oWihzmm5S9

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) January 13, 2021

Casey’s first season in California wasn’t really one to write home about. The team, who went into the season with high expectations, finished seventh in the USL Championship. Not only that, hefty Covid restrictions meant Casey couldn’t fully sample the indulgent Californian lifestyle – or have his family over for a visit.

When the former Bohemians man initially signed for Sacramento, it was believed they’d compete in the MLS that season. Unlike European football, there is no promotion and relegation into and out of the top division. Instead, it all comes down to investment.

And when a potential investor pulled out of Sacramento at the last minute, they were confined to another season in the second tier. Having said that, the USL Championship is regarded as an up-and-coming league. The bigger teams in the division are known for their aggressive, attacking style of play and they’re believed to be on a par with bottom half Scottish Premiership outfits.

“Dan was a leader and a big voice in the changing room during the US Open Cup campaign.”

Lee Desmond, Sacramento teammate and fellow Irishman

But Casey’s American dream really came to fruition during his second season. In terms of the league, Sacramento finished in a respectable fourth place. But let’s not forget their remarkable run to the final of the US Open Cup.

The Irishman would have some compatriot company too. In summer 2022, former St Patrick’s defender Lee Desmond signed on in California. Casey and his fellow Irishman formed a formidable central defensive pairing that season.

Reflecting on their time in America, Desmond said: “Dan helped me settle into the club and city really quickly. He’s a big competitor with high standards and who’s desperate to win. He has a lot of quality in possession with the ability to switch the play really well. He’s also aggressive defensively.”

On their US Open Cup journey, Casey’s Sacramento became the first non-MLS team to reach the final since 2008. Throughout their shock run, they beat three top-flight sides – San Jose, LA Galaxy and Kansas City.

Sacramento’s fairytale run gripped the nation. 25,000 people filled the bleachers for the final against Orlando City, which the Californians eventually lost 3-0. It may have ended with just a runner-up medal, but Casey’s integral role in this cup campaign is a valuable and unique experience.

And Desmond was quick to praise Casey’s steely qualities throughout the US Open Cup run. The Irishman said: “Dan was a leader and a big voice in the changing room during that campaign. It’s so important to have good personalities in the team, especially in America where we spend a lot of time together travelling around the country.

“His pace and strength was a vital part of our defensive unit and the way we defended as a team – sometimes leaving three defenders alone at the back. He was a pleasure to play with and I wish I could’ve worked with him longer.”

After that season’s heroics, other clubs expressed an interest in several of Sacramento’s cup final stars. Casey was no exception to this – two MLS clubs were believed to have been tracking him.

But the Irishman’s next footballing home would be almost 5000 miles away…

Kettleball at Motherwell

Casey’s time at Motherwell certainly got off to an unconventional start.

The Steelmen were in turmoil. It was early February 2023 – club legend Steven Hammell was struggling to turn around the side’s fortunes and injuries were mounting up.

But Hammell thought he’d taken a step to solve the team’s defensive woes. In January, Motherwell had signed Shane Blaney – a well-respected Irish defender who’d scored against the Fir Park side for Sligo Rovers in the Europa Conference League.

Naturally though, typical of Motherwell’s season until that point, Blaney suffered an injury shortly after making a promising debut at Arbroath in the Scottish Cup.

Where would Hammell turn next? To another Irishman.

It wasn’t just MLS sides and Bohemians who were tracking Casey’s exploits in America. It turns out Hammell and Motherwell had kept an eye on the defender for some time – potentially dating back to his days in the League of Ireland.

Speaking to the club’s website as Casey signed a six-month deal in ML1, Hammell said: “We feel like we needed some cover in this area of the pitch with Shane picking up a knock in our most recent game. Before I sign any player, they need to want to be here and that’s the case with Dan.”

You’d have forgiven Casey for wanting to pack his bags and run after his debut! His first outing in claret and amber was a dismal Scottish Cup defeat at Raith Rovers in February 2023.

In truth, the afternoon was a shambles for Motherwell from start to finish. Yet, there were a few bright sparks peppered throughout the dreadful display. Debutant Casey and Calum Butcher, although too new to prevent disaster, looked like solid defenders who were blatantly disgusted at how the Cup tie was unfolding around them.

Unsurprisingly, this was Hammell’s final match in charge. After eight days in Scotland, Casey was already on to his second manager. Thankfully though, his fortunes were about to turn.

For the last three months of the season, Stuart Kettlewell took Motherwell on a stunning run of eight victories in 12 matches. To achieve this newfound defensive solidity, Kettlewell implemented a 5-3-2 system – which suited Casey perfectly.

Most weeks, the former Bohemians man lined up in a back three alongside the vast experience of Paul McGinn and Calum Butcher.

As the weeks wore on, Casey and the new-look Motherwell racked up wins over St Mirren and Hearts. Fans very quickly recognised Casey as a dominant, streetwise defender – just what they’d needed. But the Irishman was also a threat in the opposition’s box – it was a wonder he didn’t head in a goal before the season drew to a close.

Speaking to press at the time, Casey was asked why exactly he chose to leave behind the Californian sunshine for dreich Lanarkshire. He said: “I just wanted to move closer to home and it was a good opportunity to come here to Motherwell.

“I didn’t want to plan years in advance, I’m happy taking it season by season. Hopefully, towards the end of the season, I’ll look back and think this was a good move.”

And surely, his decision to come to Scotland was vindicated? In that season’s run-in, Casey starred in a 3-1 victory at Easter Road and a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Ange Postecoglou’s all-conquering Celtic.

Looking back, that game at Parkhead was a bit of a baptism of fire for Casey. Although his performance was decent, this was probably the highest calibre of opponent he’d faced in his career. Callum McGregor’s opening goal deflected in off the former Cork man and he was substituted when Kettlewell flung on some attacking players to chase the game.

Casey impressed more against the other half of the Old Firm. During a 4-2 loss to Rangers at Fir Park, ‘Betting Top 10 – Ireland’ on Twitter said: “Dan Casey for Motherwell looks a really good footballer.” And as we know, this wasn’t the last time Casey would take centre stage against the Glaswegians…

So, Motherwell had found the answer to their defensive woes. But of course, he had only signed a contract until the end of the season. Could ‘Well be about to lose one of their most promising assets just as they’d uncovered him?

For a while, it seemed likely that Casey would be moving on.

Speaking to press towards the end of the season, the Dubliner never shut the door on a longer stay in Lanarkshire. But at the same time, he was keen to kick a decision on his future down the road a bit, insisting there was “no point” in thinking about next season until the current one was over.

Casey’s first full campaign in claret and amber

Summer 2023 was a time of sticky bums across North Lanarkshire.

It was the middle of July and there was still no word on Casey’s contract situation. ‘Well boss Kettlewell was clear that the club had offered him a good deal but were eagerly awaiting an answer.

Other clubs seemed to be taking notice of the defender and it’s no wonder given his exploits over the last 12 months. Bizarrely though, it looked like Casey was set for a THIRD spell with Irish side Bohemians.

It’s believed that Casey, then aged 25, was holding out to see if he’d be offered a contract in English football. Bohemians we’re reportedly also throwing a lot of money at their former hero to tempt him back to Dublin.

But on 14 July 2023, Casey finally penned a two-year contract with Motherwell. Speaking to the club website upon his arrival, Casey said: “The fans were brilliant and I felt like they took me in quickly. That’s what makes you want to give your all when you pull on the jersey. We had a hugely impressive end to the season and I want to pick up where we left off.”

And to an extent, Casey was right! Motherwell did pick up where they left off before summer – racking up three victories in their first four league matches. The former Sunderland youth even got on the scoresheet during an impressive 2-1 victory against high-flying Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

But no, it wasn’t a header! The Daily Record’s match report explained how Casey’s goal came around: “Stephen O’Donnell’s cross was knocked back into the mixer by debutant Brodie Spencer, and Casey showed composure to take a touch and rifle home.”

There wasn’t a lot to report over the winter months, either for Motherwell or Casey. The side went on a dreadful run of 15 games without a victory. Casey’s performances dropped a bit due to a lack of confidence, as was the case with virtually every player in the squad. But there was never any doubt about the Irishman’s quality.

If anybody needed a reminder of Casey’s defensive attributes, they got it on 25 November 2023.

Bang out of form, Motherwell travelled to Celtic Park in extreme hope rather than any notion of expectation. But against all the odds, the men from Lanarkshire dug in and got a well-deserved 1-1 draw.

And Casey excelled at the heart of a back five that afternoon. Sure, ‘Well came under a lot of pressure but the full defence held out brilliantly. The Daily Record’s live blog noted that the Steelmen were “defending with their lives”.

Sadly, Casey wasn’t able to build on this solid defensive showing. The former Cork man suffered an ankle ligament issue towards the end of a match at Ross County on 5 December 2023. This kept Casey on the sidelines for almost two months.

Come February, Casey was back in action. And it wasn’t long until the Dubliner headed his name into Motherwell’s history books forever. The Steelmen ended their 27-year wait for a league victory at Ibrox – and Casey was right at the thick of the action.

In the first half, Casey flew in for a strong challenge on Rangers kid Ross McCausland. ‘Well’s defender won the ball cleanly but followed through on the attacker a little. There was a sharp intake of breath from the Motherwell end as, at Ibrox, you’d thoroughly expect a visiting player to be given his marching orders for a challenge of such conviction.

Yet, Casey escaped with a booking – much to the chagrin of Rangers supporters over the coming week.

And with the game poised at 1-1, he connected with a Blair Spittal cross to head it home and send that small corner of claret and amber into delirium. His celebration will be remembered for being nearly as iconic as the goal itself, as Casey wheeled away in front of the Rangers supporters and made a VAR monitor gesture with his hands – perhaps mocking the video review which took place following his clash with McCausland.

Despite a late charge, ‘Well didn’t qualify for the top six in the end. Defending hasn’t been Motherwell’s strong point this season – yet several defenders like Bevis Mugabi, Georgie Gent and Dan Casey have noticeably developed.

In one of the post-split fixtures, Casey found the net for the third time during his stint in claret and amber. With the side already cruising 3-0 at home to Livingston, the former Bohemians hero headed in ‘Well’s fourth – confirmed after a VAR check.

Casey’s former Sunderland teammate Ledger, who now works as a Senior Sports Tutor at Evolve Sports Academy while playing for Spennymoor Town, said: “I’ve followed Dan’s career and I’m really happy to see how well he’s done since leaving Sunderland.

“He had all the attributes, as well as a good attitude and determination, to make a career in the game. The fact he was willing to move out and play in Sacramento says it all. I can imagine that was a brilliant experience for him and now he’s playing week in, week out in the Scottish Premiership. I hope he keeps doing well.”

Luckily, Casey has another year left on his deal at Fir Park. And if there’s one thing the current coaching staff are revered for, it’s their ability to develop players. Casey’s already an established Scottish Premiership defender but in a year’s time, he could be ready to step up to a new challenge in a better league.

By Lewis Birrell, Chief Writer at Story Behind the Steelmen