Darren played for Peterborough Northern Star, Ortonians, Bretton North End and Silver Jubilee among others.
Darren still plays for Stanground Sports. He was a young professional at Hull City before injuries took their toll.
His dream team are playing in a 4-4-2 formation and his substitutes are: Dave Beeny, Danny Cairns, Ben Daley, Lee Davidson, Darren Paling, Ashley Favell, Paul Gauntlett and Gareth Sanderson.
5.
Centre-back Ian Rudd: "Ruddy is the best defender to have played in the PDFL in the last 20 years in my opinion. His ability to be in the right place at the right time was uncanny and he never looked flustered. Did not train, but always lasted the game although he looked knackered after 20 minutes. Never beaten in the air and could knock a killer pass.”
6.
Right midfield Darren Hempson: “‘Hempo’ was simply sensational as a winger. He had speed, guile and most importantly skill. He would beat a man and then go back and beat him again because he could. Darren could score goals and create goals at will. He still looks about 15 and he still loves to moan, but what a player!”
7.
Left midfield Mark Baines: “‘Bainsey” burst onto the scene whilst I was at Ortonians with him. Could play anywhere he wanted as he made it look easy and would always score goals. Went for trials at Lincoln City before playing in the great all-conquering Deeping Rangers UCL team. Has been around for years and still playing well for Netherton FC and was part of the famous ‘Quad Squad.’”
8.
Centre-midfield: Darren Bradley: “Part of the all-conquering Eye team (they won the Peterborough Prem without dropping a point), Darren was the Rolls Royce of local football in the centre of midfield. Never fazed, always composed on the ball and had an unbelievable knack of nicking the ball and scoring important goals. (Netherton legend) Ron Seddon’s favourite footballer of all time and one of mine.