Dean McDonald

Born 19 February 1986 (Age 22 at debut)

Position: Midfielder

(Diamonds player #296)

Total appearances 5 - 3 goals

(3 League, 1 Hillier Senior Cup, 1 Maunsell Cup)

Debut:

26 July 2008 (Home Peterborough United)

Final game:

16 September 2008 (Away Rothwell Town)

Dean began his career as a trainee at Arsenal but was released in June 2005, joining Ipswich Town on a free transfer. He failed to gain a regular place in the starting eleven, and in mid-November, went out on loan to Hartlepool United on a one month deal, before returning to Ipswich due to an injury crisis. He was released in the summer of 2006 and joined Gillingham for the following season on a two year deal where he scored on his debut. He went on to score six times in 30 appearances, and despite having a year left on his contract, he was released to sign a two year contract with Scottish Premier side Inverness Caledonian Thistle in July 2007. A change of management, meant he was out of favour before the season began, and his six appearances were all as a substitute. Both Gillingham and Toronto showed interest midway through the season, but he elected to stay in Scotland until the end of the season. His two year contract was cancelled by mutual consent. Garry Hill brought the attacking midfielder/winger to Nene Park on 9 July 2008, but after a promising pre-season and opening few games, he lost favour with the manager again and was released on 3 November 2008 as a free agent.

On 20 November 2008, he joined Grays Athletic in the Conference until the end of the season, but moved on from there, joining Tooting and Mitcham United in March 2009 for the remainder of the season. In May 2009 he signed for Farnborough of the Southern League Premier, but left at the end of the season after 10 goals in 34 appearamces. He joined Isthmian Premier side Carshalton Athletic on 21 June 2011 where he teamed up with his cousin, another former Diamond Justyn Roberts..