Danny Handling signs!
Berwick Rangers are delighted to announce the signing of attacker Danny Handling for an undisclosed fee from fellow Park’s Motor Group Lowland League side Tranent.
The 31 year-old attacker will be no stranger to ‘Gers fans – Handling scored 7 goals in 7 games on loan at the club back in 2012, and now returns to MKM Shielfield Park with vast experience in Scottish football under his belt. Danny began his career at Hibs, making 55 appearances for the first team, including 35 in the top flight. Injury hampered his later seasons at Easter Road, and Danny left Hibs in 2017, first on loan to Raith and then to Dumbarton. Following his time out west, Danny made 80 appearances for Edinburgh City, in a highly successful spell which saw the Citizens promoted to League 1 and Danny pick up the League 1 Player of the Month award in 2022.
Handling has been on the radar of ‘Gers boss Kevin Haynes for some time, and he finally has his man, as Danny signs on a two and a half year deal, keeping him at MKM Shielfield Park until the end of the 2027/8 season.
‘Danny was someone we identified last season as a target, but we couldn’t bring him in during the summer window as he had signed an extension at Tranent,’ explained Haynes. The manager feels that Handling brings a wide range of qualities to the side, as he added, ‘We feel he’ll be a really good fit for the team, bringing experience of the very highest level in Scotland as well as knowing how Berwick Rangers operates as a club. His qualities on the pitch are clear – he links play really well, brings the best out of the players around him, and scores important goals. He ticks all the boxes for us, and he’s a real asset to the club.’
Handling himself said he was ‘over the moon’ to be returning to Shielfield. ‘It’s been a tricky process getting the deal done, so I’m delighted that it’s finally complete.’ Danny went on to speak about his new teammates and coaches, ‘I know a few boys in the dressing room already, and know the gaffer, Dunny and Smally really well too.’ Coming to the club was something that Danny said he ‘couldn’t turn down – the gaffer has shown real faith in me and that was a big factor in me coming here.’
He also remembers his time at Berwick fondly, saying, ‘My first taste of men’s football was when I was at the club on loan – it was a successful period and I really enjoyed my time here. It seems fitting that I began my career here, and I’m coming back now in a later stage for me. I’m really excited to be here – the manager and Board have shown real faith in me, which is something I am really grateful for and I’m keen to repay that faith. I’m really looking forward to the next two and a half years.’
Danny’s transfer comes a short time after Jamie Pyper and Alex Harris extended their contracts into next season, and the ‘Gers squad for 2026/7 is starting to shape up well. Keep a close eye on the club’s social media for more details about how you can help with our squad building very soon!