Brackley captain Dean announces retirement

Brackley Town captain Gareth Dean is to retire at the end of the season after a decade with the National League club.

The 36-year-old scored at Wembley when Brackley won the FA Trophy in 2018 and last season helped them to promotion as National League North champions.

It will be only a one-season stay in the top flight of non-league football as Brackley have already been relegated, but Dean had a three-match unbeaten run as interim boss after Gavin Cowan left for Shrewsbury Town in January.

"I've decided to finally hang up my boots after 18 seasons and 830 career appearances," he said in a statement on the club website.

"I always promised myself I wanted to be remembered for the player I have been, not someone who stayed one year too long.

"I'm aware I could play for more years and continue to drop levels for comfort, but truth is, it's just not me."

Dean, who will remain at the club in an off-field role, began his career with hometown club Nuneaton, playing more than 120 games, before a season at Solihull Moors, prior to joining Brackley in the summer of 2016.

He has made 36 appearances this season and will play his final home match for the Northamptonshire club against Aldershot Town on Saturday.

A statement from the Brackley board said: "While we will deeply miss seeing him don the captain's armband, we are thrilled that Gaz will continue to play a vital role at the club.

"His transition from player to a key operational figure will ensure that his wealth of experience and knowledge enhances our future endeavours.

"We look forward to working alongside him as he bridges the gap between our football operations and the strategic vision of the board."