Defender makes 500th appearance for Horsham YMCA

Horsham YMCA defender Dean Carden reached an incredible milestone on Saturday at Peacehaven - playing his 500th game for the club.
Dean Carden during his 500th game for Horsham YMCADean Carden during his 500th game for Horsham YMCA
Dean Carden during his 500th game for Horsham YMCA

They may not have got the result they wanted, losing 4-0, but it did not take away from the 38-year-old’s personal milestone. Carden made his debut for John Suter’s YM in 2002 against Selsey in the RUR Charity.

And despite a long spell at Three Bridges, Carden’’s heart has always belonged to YM. So what has kept Carden going for so long.

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Dean CardenDean Carden
Dean Carden

He told County Times Sport: “I would like to think of myself as naturally fit, I have always been surrounded by amazing physios even though I wasn’t a regular on the physio table. Other than these I really believe my passion for the game has got me this far.

"I have met some amazing people that make it all possible and I have always appreciated what work goes on that is never seen. There are too many to name but all are special to me and have put up with me for so long.”

Carden named John Suter, Ali Rennie, Tommy Sampson and Peter Buckland as some of the people who have helped him during his career at the Gorings Mead club. And he gave a special thanks to current managers Julian Miller and Ryan King for giving him his 500th start.

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And which game stands out for Carden as the most memorable? He said: “Ringmer away in our title winning season. We were losing 1-0 when we get a penalty which was my responsibility to take.

"I picked my side and scored as I turn my close friend and team mate Joel Ohara grabs me as we run towards Suter. We went on to win the league.”

There will be a full interview to follow with Dean Carden