English team signs 54-year-old fan as reserve goalkeeper

Dorking Wanderers Club in England unexpectedly recruited a 54-year-old fan as a backup goalkeeper.

Dorking Wanderers sign 54-year-old goalkeeper Terry Dunn - Photo: Dorking Wanderers FC

English club Dorking Wanderers have announced the signing of a 54-year-old fan as their new goalkeeper after the club's number one goalkeeper suffered a serious injury, leaving them without a replacement for the weekend's match.

Terry Dunn, a lifelong Dorking Wanderers fan and former amateur goalkeeper, hung up his gloves 28 years ago.

After starting goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes was ruled out for four weeks, Dunn was named in the squad as the club failed to find a replacement for today's clash with AFC Totton in the National League South (England's sixth tier).

"Goalkeeping is like riding a bike. So you never forget it. I still play football regularly.

As a Wanderers fan, no one will work harder than me to keep a clean sheet for the team," said Mr. Dunn.

President and first team coach Marc White said of the decision: "In an age where passion is increasingly rare, what Terry lacks in agility, he makes up for in heart."

Dorking Wanderers Football Club is an incredible story in English football. Founded in 1999 by a group of friends, under the guidance of chairman and manager Marc White, the club has had a remarkable journey, winning 12 promotions in just 23 seasons.

This impressive journey has taken them from the lowest level of competition all the way up to the National League (tier 5) in 2022. This league is just one step above the English professional league system.

They currently play in the National League South (the sixth tier of English football), after being relegated for the first time in their history at the end of the 2023-2025 season. The team plays at the 3,000-capacity Meadowbank Stadium.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doi-bong-anh-ky-hop-dong-voi-cdv-54-tuoi-lam-thu-mon-du-bi-20250906094124722.htm