Dan Burn's rise from Wigan Athletic to England star - 'We all knew he was a good player'

Burn began his career at Darlington before spending five years at Fulham, but it was perhaps at Wigan where his career really took off on an upward trajectory.

The Blyth-born defender made 101 appearances for Latics across two seasons, helping the club clinch the League One title in the 2017/18 campaign, as well as being named in the League One Team of the Year and scooping the club’s Player of the Year award in the same season.

Burn’s impressive performances for Wigan saw him snapped up by Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.

After four seasons with the Seagulls, Burn landed his dream move to his boyhood club Newcastle, where he has since become a cult hero, helping the Magpies win the Carabao Cup last season.

Speaking to the Wigan Post, Warnock reflected on Burn’s journey from non-league with Darlington to becoming a key figure for Newcastle via Fulham, Wigan and Brighton.

“I think when you speak to all the lads who were at Wigan, we all knew that Dan was a good player,” Warnock said when representing Adventure Gamers. “He’d had a few knocks along the way that hit his confidence a bit, and he had to build that back up.

“He had a little spell where he probably overplayed a bit at Wigan – trying to play out from the back and being a little too confident – but once he got that out of his game, you could see the ability he had. He very rarely got beaten one-on-one – he’s quick and athletic for someone who’s 6ft 7in.

“He was also playing in a system which was three at the back, which suited him. I thought it would be ideal for him at the time, so he could play left-wing back or left side of the three, or he could play in the centre, so he was so versatile in that way, but the way he kicked on, I think, is a testament to him because of his mindset and the way he approached it.

"His move to Brighton was absolutely perfect for him because he went from that three at the back – I know we played four at the back when Warren Joyce came in – but he was adaptable, and that allowed him to go to Brighton and learn. I think he was well-coached at Brighton, which took his game to another level, and since he’s gone to Newcastle, I’m absolutely made up for him.”

Burn has become a firm fan favourite at St James’ Park, with his ‘local lad’ persona bringing a personal connection to Newcastle fans.

Warnock, who recently caught up with his former Wigan teammate whilst working as a pundit, says that humility has always been a part of Burn’s character.

“I actually bumped into him recently when I was commentating on the England-Wales game,” said Warnock. “He was having breakfast with his kids, and we had a great catch-up. I love Dan – he’s everything you’d want in a player. He’s got that heart, grit, and determination, and it brings a smile to my face every time I see him playing in the Premier League.”

Beyond his footballing ability, Warnock highlighted Burn’s personality and professionalism for where he is today, praising the 33-year-old as someone who embodies what it means to play for Newcastle United.

“He’s brilliant – what you see is what you get with Dan,” Warnock added.

"He’s good to have in the changing rooms, very professional – that’s one thing I would say about him – when he works on the training ground or is in the gym doing his work, he works hard. But when there is a laugh and a joke, he’s right there too.

"I think what he is doing is enjoying every minute because he has worked really hard to get to where he is. I think what you get from Newcastle fans is pride from them, because he’s a local lad and he gives everything and leaves everything on the pitch.

"If he does make a mistake – every player makes a mistake – but they understand that he is one of them and he gets a little bit more help from them which I love because he is doing what every Geordie wants to do... He is living out his dream of playing for his boyhood team, and that’s great for the family and Dan, but also for the fans. I absolutely love seeing him do well.”