Exeter City FC

Dean's story:

Exeter-born Dean made his debut for his hometown club in October 2003 in a 2-1 away win at Accrington Stanley. Dean quickly established himself as a first team player making 17 appearances that season and scoring two goals. 

The following season Dean made 35 appearances and scored four goals including a memorable 40-yard strike against Doncaster Rovers in an FA Cup second round tie at St James Park. 

That goal helped set-up a money-spinning third round match with Manchester United, which helped save the club from financial turmoil, with Dean playing in both the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford and the replay at St James Park. 

In the 2007/08 season, Dean played 52 games and was man-of-the-match in the play-off final that saw City promoted back to the Football League. In the next season, Dean played 45 games as Exeter were promoted to League One.

Dean then joined Derby County before going on to achieve promotion to the Premier League with Crystal Palace. Dean then spent three years at Bolton Wanderers before re-joining Exeter City ahead of the 2017/18 season. 

The 2017/18 campaign saw Dean contribute with 42 appearances and three goals as he helped City to Wembley. On October 6, 2018, Dean made is 250th appearance for the Grecians in a 2-2 draw away from home against Yeovil Town.