Births on May 6

Dean Chandler, English footballer

Dean Andrew Robert Chandler, born on May 6, 1976, is an English former professional footballer whose career journey encompassed the competitive world of Football League clubs, the challenging non-league circuit, and notably, representing England's Learning Disability team. His diverse path saw him play for numerous clubs, concluding his active playing days with Redbridge, leaving a remarkable footprint across various levels of the beautiful game.

Early Career and the Charlton Athletic Years

Chandler embarked on his footballing adventure as a trainee with Charlton Athletic, a well-regarded London club known for its strong youth development. His dedication paid off when he turned professional in April 1994, making his eagerly anticipated league debut the following season. However, his promising start was soon overshadowed by an unfortunate incident in 1994. Alongside fellow promising teammate Lee Bowyer, Chandler tested positive for cannabis after a routine training ground check. This resulted in both players receiving suspensions for several months, a significant setback for any young professional footballer trying to establish themselves. Upon his return from the ban, Dean found it increasingly difficult to break back into Charlton's first team, a testament to the high competition at that level and perhaps the lingering impact of the disciplinary action. In March 1997, seeking valuable first-team experience, he was loaned to Torquay United. His debut for the Gulls against Lincoln City at Sincil Bank was unfortunately cut short after just 20 minutes due to an ankle injury. Despite this setback, he courageously returned to play a further three league games for Torquay a fortnight later, showcasing his resilience.

Navigating the Football League and Non-League Tiers

At the close of the 1996–97 season, Dean Chandler was released by Charlton Athletic, having made only two league appearances for the club, albeit scoring once. His ambition undeterred, he signed for Lincoln City in August 1997, where he featured in a League Cup defeat away to Burnley on August 26. However, once again finding it challenging to secure a regular first-team spot, he was loaned out to Yeovil Town on November 28, 1997. It was here, in the Conference – then the highest tier of non-league football – that Chandler truly made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut the very next day against Cheltenham Town at the Huish. He remained with Yeovil until the end of January 1998 before returning to Lincoln, concluding that loan spell.

A Whirlwind of Transfers and Notable Moments

Post-Lincoln, Chandler’s career took him further into the non-league landscape. He joined Chesham United before a brief, almost instantaneous move to Slough Town on November 26, 1998. However, an agreement on terms proved elusive, and remarkably, just one day later, he was sold back to Yeovil Town for £3,500. His second stint at Yeovil was equally dramatic. Initially released by manager David Webb on May 4, 2000, Chandler surprisingly returned for a three-month trial on July 3, with Webb seemingly having a change of heart. Yet, his return was short-lived, as Webb released him again on July 18, 2000. The reasons behind this final departure were contentious: Webb cited "a lot of thought," while local reports, notably the Western Gazette, suggested it was due to Chandler playing in a cricket match – part of a teammate's testimonial – whilst reportedly injured. This highlights the pressures and sometimes unusual circumstances surrounding player contracts and club decisions in professional football.

Resilience on the Non-League Circuit

After a short period completely out of the game, Dean Chandler began training with Slough Town in September 2000, eventually signing once fully fit. He made his second debut for Slough in a thrilling 4–3 victory over Aldershot Town in the Isthmian League Full Members Cup at Wexham Park on October 24, 2000. Unfortunately, another injury restricted him to just three appearances that season. The following year, on August 10, 2001, he joined Conference side Woking on a free transfer after a successful trial. His stay was brief, lasting only until the last week of November when he moved to Purfleet. His time at Purfleet ended abruptly in April 2003, when he was sacked for a "breach of club discipline." His journey continued with Thurrock, and then to Ford United in August 2003. At Ford, Chandler captained the team to the First Round proper of the FA Cup, a significant achievement for a non-league club. However, his FA Cup dream ended in heartbreak as he scored an extra-time own goal in a home defeat to Port Vale. The following year, Ford United rebranded as Redbridge, and Chandler was unexpectedly released from the newly named club, subsequently joining East Thurrock United in June 2004.

Representing England's Learning Disability Team

A pivotal and inspiring chapter in Dean Chandler's career began in July 2004 when he proudly made his debut for the England Learning Disability team. This was during the Global Games, where he contributed to a sensational 16–0 victory against hosts Sweden. His passion and competitive spirit were further evident in the following match against Brazil, where he was sent off for violent conduct, even as England triumphed 4–3 to progress to the semi-finals. This period underscored his enduring commitment to football and his ability to excel on an international stage in a specialized capacity, demonstrating the power of sport to transcend conventional boundaries.

Later Career and Conclusion

Chandler's later career saw him continue to contribute to the non-league scene. He departed East Thurrock in November 2005, moving to Leyton, and then to Heybridge Swifts in April 2006. He later rejoined East Thurrock United before making a final return to Redbridge in December 2007, the club where he ultimately concluded his playing career. Dean Chandler's journey through football is a testament to perseverance, featuring the highs of professional debuts and international representation, alongside the challenges of injuries, disciplinary issues, and the rigorous demands of non-league football. His career, marked by its varied experiences, paints a vivid picture of a dedicated footballer who faced every challenge head-on.

FAQs About Dean Andrew Robert Chandler

Who is Dean Andrew Robert Chandler?

Dean Andrew Robert Chandler is an English former professional footballer, born on May 6, 1976. He had a varied career playing for clubs in the Football League and numerous non-league teams, and notably represented England's Learning Disability team.

Which club did Dean Chandler start his professional career with?

Dean Chandler began his professional football career as a trainee with Charlton Athletic, making his league debut in the 1994-95 season.

What was a notable controversial incident in Dean Chandler's early career?

In 1994, Dean Chandler, along with teammate Lee Bowyer, tested positive for cannabis after a training ground check and received bans of several months.

Did Dean Chandler play for England?

Yes, Dean Chandler proudly represented England, making his debut for the England Learning Disability team in July 2004 during the Global Games.

What was Dean Chandler's role at Ford United and what was a memorable moment there?

Dean Chandler captained Ford United to the First Round proper of the FA Cup in 2003. A memorable, though unfortunate, moment was scoring an extra-time own goal that led to their defeat against Port Vale in that FA Cup tie.

Why was Dean Chandler released from Yeovil Town twice in 2000?

Dean Chandler was initially released by manager David Webb in May 2000, then brought back on a trial in July, only to be released again that same month. While Webb stated it was "after a lot of thought," local reports suggested the second release was due to Chandler playing in a cricket match, as part of a teammate's testimonial, while allegedly injured.

What was the highest level of football Dean Chandler played in after leaving the Football League?

After his time in the Football League, Dean Chandler frequently played in the Conference, which was then the top tier of non-league football in England, alongside stints in various other non-league divisions.