Dean Brennan joined Stevenage in summer 2003 after impressing Graham Westley in a friendly against Peterborough United; another club who were also thought to be interested in signing the player. He signed from Hitchin Town, where he proved his worth with a good goalscoring record and also taking on their captaincy.

Though he may not have broken into the first team straight away, Brennan was seen as one for the future; his record at Top Field looking like something that would translate to Boro’ over months to follow. But the development process never really got into top-gear, and while one can point towards a lack of opportunities for first team action, the bottom line is arguably that Brennan never became the player hoped.

Failing to progress to a higher level may have given that verdict some credence. He has, however, since moved into management with clubs including Billericay Town, Kingstonian and Wealdstone.