Daniel Leslie Grainger (born 28 July 1986) is an English former professional football player who is the assistant manager of Morecambe.

After short spells with St Mirren and Dunfermline Athletic, he returned to England to sign for his home town club, Carlisle United, in 2014.

At the start of the 2007–08 season, Grainger became a first-team regular for Gretna's campaign in the Scottish Premier League, making 17 appearances for them before being sold.

[8] At the end of 2008–09 season, newly promoted side St Johnstone made an inquiry for Grainger after boss Craig Levein confirmed there was contact from the Saints.

On 10 February 2010, Grainger provided a double assist for Graham Gartland and Peter MacDonald in a 3–2 loss against Kilmarnock.

On 30 March 2010, Grainger provided a double assist for Cillian Sheridan and Chris Millar in a 4–1 win over Rangers.

[17] On 27 October 2010, Grainger provided a double assist for Murray Davidson and Sam Parkin in a 3–2 loss over Celtic.

Towards end of the season, Grainger informed Derek McInnes that he would not be renewing his contract this summer as with his wife pregnant, he wanted to return to his Cumbrian roots to be nearer to his family.

[20] On 23 July 2011, Grainger made his debut for Hearts in a 1–1 draw against Rangers and provided an assist for David Obua.

[21] Ahead of a match against his former club, St Johnstone, Grainger feared receiving a mixed reception from the fans over lies of not moving to Cumbria and also his wife has given birth.

[25] In the Scottish Cup Final in the Edinburgh derby, Grainger scored a penalty on 48 minutes after Pa Kujabi was sent off which was his first goal.

[30] A week after scoring, Grainger, however, suffered an injury during a match against Motherwell, landing awkwardly and needing surgery on his left knee.

[48] Upon his move to Carlisle United, Grainger said "This is a chance to come and play for the team I supported as a kid and I can't wait to get settled back into the area.

"[49] He made his Carlisle debut in the team's opening match of the League Two season, a 1–0 home defeat to Luton Town.

[54] Grainger joined Scottish League One side Falkirk as assistant head coach under manager Paul Sheerin in June 2021.

[55] Following the release of Sheerin in December, Grainger was briefly named as caretaker manager of Falkirk prior to the hiring of Martin Rennie.