About

Dean played local grassroots football in the Croydon, South London area, played for the school, district and Sunday football, spotted by a Spurs scout at 13 playing for Croydon district against Newham. He travelled across London to the Spurs ground twice a week at age 14 for training. At 15 playing for Surrey County, he was spotted by a Crystal Palace scout. “I recall very well when Palace spotted me because it was my local club but I was on the books at Spurs 2nd youth team at the time, due to play Crystal Palace youths not long after who had Gareth Southgate in their team. I knew they were interested in me, and I had a good game and signed for Palace soon afterwards. I was more than happy to move as didn’t feel ‘wanted’ at Tottenham and Palace training ground was less than 4 miles from where I lived. It was one of the best things I ever did.

Senior Career Appearances

337 league appearance (144 Premier League)
29 goals