RIP Roland Dean, a great goalkeeper and popular local football personality
Popular local football personality Roland Dean has died suddenly aged 65.
Dean was one of the best goalkeepers to grace the Peterborough League in spells with Ortonians FC and Netherton United.
He had played for Peterborough United’s youth team and reserve team between 1976 and 1979.
Dean also managed Netherton teams to titles and cups before becoming an assistant referee, medical man and kitman for the city club.
Dean helped save the life of a teammate in 2009, administering emergency first aid, along with colleague Alan Wilson, after the player had collapsed on the pitch.
A Netherton spokesman said: “Everyone knew Roland. He has been a popular presence at the club for many years. He was at our first-team match at the Grange only last Saturday. We are all deeply saddened by the news.”
Dean was a tax inspector for the majority of his working career.
Netherton will hold a minute’s silence ahead of Wednesday night’s Thurlow Nunn Division One North game against Holbeach United at the Grange (7.45pm kick off). The players will wear black armbands during the match.
The club are planning a tribute to Dean in their matchday programme for their home FA Vase match against Eynesbury Rovers on Saturday, September 12.