Men's football news
Striker Dean Bown is returning to the Dripping Pan after scoring a glut of goals last season.
The young forward, now 22, signed for the Rooks in 2016, but was hampered by injury. He’s since spent time at a variety of Sussex clubs, culminating in a move to Horsham YMCA last season, where he bagged 34 goals during the campaign.
Darren says Dean’s goalscoring record means he deserves a second chance. “We didn’t see the best of Dean last time he was here,” said Darren. “He got injured and it took him time to find his feet when he came back.
“He did the right thing – he went away, got some match time, got more experience, got fitter and it’s paid off. He scored 30-odd goals last season for Horsham YMCA and it’s only right we give him another chance.”
Dean’s confident he’s got the ability to play at this level. “I played Isthmian Premier level when I was 16 or 17 and I was scoring goals,” Bown told us.
“I did my ACL and last season I just wanted a full season in senior football where I could settle at one club, so I decided to drop down to Horsham YMCA. I scored 34 goals during the season and a few Bostik League teams asked me to join them, but I wanted to stay where I was, complete the season and press on this year.”
He’s looking forward to coming back. “I know Darren – I’ve known him since I was 16. I trust him, I know he believes in me. This season I really hope I can go for it and push on. He likes a professional environment, which is the one I love the most. He’s going to be the man to help push me forward.”
Dean is our fifth summer signing, as Darren refreshes his squad ahead of our first pre-season fixture vs FC United of Manchester on July 13.