Deano Makes Non-League Move

Last updated : 15 June 2004 By Mark Heys
Dean Holdsworth
Former Bolton Wanderers striker Dean Holdsworth has ended his long association in league football after it was confirmed that he had left relegated Wimbledon to sign a two year deal with Conference bound outfit Havant & Waterlooville.


The 35-year old veteran makes the move to Hampshire for what will be his first stint in Non-League football and it is quite a coup for Havant who beat off strong competition from Leyton Orient and Rushden & Diamonds to secure the services of Bolton's record signing.

Delighted at the capture of Holdsworth the club secretary Trevor Brock stated that the experience of the forward would stand the Hawks in good stead for the forthcoming season. For Deano it is the next chapter of a long footballing career which has seen him move in turn to a number of different clubs in an 18-year spell which began back in 1986 when he and twin brother David where part of the First Division Watford team.

"This is a fantastic high profile signing for us. It will allow us to hit the ground running in the Conference, which is exactly what we wanted to do."

"We wanted a big name to boost the profile of the club and it’s harder to think realistically of anyone much bigger. Everyone here has been impressed with his attitude and we’re looking forward to what will be his debut when we play Portsmouth in July." Brock said