Jason Dean, chairman of Old Richians and usually a centre midfielder, endured a broken hand sustained during the warm-up yet went on to play the full 90 minutes as goalkeeper in Saturday’s Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two match.
At 55 years old, Dean stood in goal to assist the league leaders in achieving a hard-fought 1-1 draw against third-placed Harrow Hill. Remarkably, Dean kept his injury secret from the team and staff until the final whistle.
“During a shooting drill, I pushed a low shot around the post and landed awkwardly on my hand on the hard ground,” Dean recounted. “I felt a snap immediately and knew it was bad, but as there was no replacement and I had no hesitation, I decided to carry on.”
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Ben Smith opened the scoring for Richians before Marshall Hopkins equalised for Harrow Hill. Dean noted the challenges early in the game: “The first 20 minutes were tough as they flew out of the traps, but we settled in the second half and took control. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the right ball in the final third.”
Despite his injury, Dean made few saves during the match, including one in the first half that, like the warm-up incident, required him to rely on his injured hand. He said, “I tried to push our defence up to act as a sweeper keeper. We only faced a few counter-attacks in the second half. A draw seemed a fair outcome for both sides.”
The point helps Old Richians maintain their position above Mushet & Coalway on goal difference. Dean mentioned that regular goalkeeper Nick Sheppard is expected to return for the next fixture against Tewkesbury Town Reserves.
A passionate West Ham United supporter and proprietor of a clothing brand, Dean has chaired the Sandyleaze-based club for four years. He emphasised the importance of community in the club’s steady progress, stating, “We’re building steadily thanks to the committee’s hard work, especially as many local teams have struggled or folded over the past decade. We aim to introduce youth football to secure our future.”
He added, “We’re a family club with everyone pulling in the same direction. Naturally, disagreements happen, but we discuss them because we all want the best for Old Richians.”