Pink is the colour for former Red Daniel at Lanes in Newcastle

Daniel Hall is a former Red who is in the pink after being made the new Lanes Group Regional Manager in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Daniel, once a player with Manchester United, has taken over from Eddie Roughley, who has retired from the depot’s top job after leading the Lanes team on Tyneside for 14 years.

He says he is looking forward to the challenge, after spending more than 16 years in the north east working in the construction industry, and playing for a team just as famous locally as Manchester United – Blyth Spartans.

Daniel said: “I have been very much welcomed by the Lanes team in Newcastle, and I am eager to get on with the job of building on the excellent work done by Eddie.

“These are exciting times for Lanes Group here in the north east. The economy is picking up, business confidence is growing. The construction industry, in particular, is much more active. So there should be plenty to keep us busy over the next 12 months.

“We have an excellent team of drainage engineers here on Tyneside, with the best back-up staff and equipment in the industry.

“That means we can tackle any drainage challenge, including jet vacuumation, CCTV drain surveys, drain unblocking, mending collapsed sewers or pipe rehabilitation projects.

“We’re here for drain cleaning and jetting in private homes and to provide drain maintenance support for the largest commercial customers. One thing I’ve already learned is that no two days are the same at Lanes.”

Daniel, aged 37, originally from Bishop Stortford in Hertfordshire, joined Manchester United in 1994 as a YTS apprentice. He played as a central defender for the club, lifting the FA Youth Cup.

Following a series of injuries he left the club, aged 19, after playing just a handful of games for the senior team, going on to play for Rotherham, Peterborough and non-league teams like Canvey Island, Bishop Stortford, Heybridge Swifts, Blyth Spartans and Whickham.

He moved to the north east after marrying a Geordie lass, and has two children.

Daniel said: “While playing for non-league teams, I developed a career in sales, and worked for a leading steel fabricator before joining Lanes.

“I have a lot to learn about the drainage industry but we have a good team here, so I am confident I can contribute to the continued growth of the depot. We want to be the best at what we do, and be recognised for that.

“And, if I get teased a little about my footballing past along the way, I don’t mind one bit!”