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Soccer-English sixth-tier club sign 54-year-old fan as emergency keeper

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 5, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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(Reuters) -A 54-year-old Dorking Wanderers fan will make his debut in goal for the English sixth-tier side on Saturday after the club's first-choice goalkeeper suffered a spleen injury, leaving them

54-Year-Old Dorking Wanderers Fan Steps in as Emergency Goalkeeper

(Reuters) -A 54-year-old Dorking Wanderers fan will make his debut in goal for the English sixth-tier side on Saturday after the club's first-choice goalkeeper suffered a spleen injury, leaving them without cover for the weekend game.

Terry Dunn, a "multiple promotion winner with several local clubs" according to Wanderers, hung up his gloves 28 years ago.

But after keeper Harrison Foulkes was ruled out for up to four weeks, Dunn has now been drafted into the squad since they failed to secure a replacement in time for Saturday's National League South clash against AFC Totton.

"Playing in goal is like riding a bike – you never forget it. I still regularly play walking football," Dunn said in a statement.

"As a Wanderers fan, no one will be trying harder than me to keep a clean sheet on Saturday."

Wanderers, who are 11th in the standings, said they would sign a new goalkeeper on a four-week loan by Monday, giving Dunn the chance to play this weekend.

"In an era where passion comes in low quantities, what Terry lacks in mobility, he'll make up for in heart," club chairman and first-team boss Marc White said.

"For one game, we're just going to have to get on with it."

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

Key Takeaways

  • 54-year-old fan Terry Dunn to play as emergency goalkeeper.
  • Dorking Wanderers' first-choice keeper injured.
  • Dunn has not played professionally for 28 years.
  • Club plans to sign a new goalkeeper on a four-week loan.
  • Dunn aims to keep a clean sheet against AFC Totton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Dorking Wanderers sign a 54-year-old fan?
Dorking Wanderers signed Terry Dunn as an emergency goalkeeper after their first-choice keeper suffered a spleen injury, leaving them without a replacement in time for the match.
What is Terry Dunn's experience in football?
Terry Dunn is a multiple promotion winner with several local clubs and last played competitively 28 years ago. He still participates in walking football regularly.
What are the club's plans for a new goalkeeper?
The Wanderers plan to sign a new goalkeeper on a four-week loan by Monday, which will allow Dunn to play this weekend while they secure a more permanent solution.
How does Terry Dunn feel about playing in goal?
Dunn expressed confidence, stating that playing in goal is like riding a bike and that he will be trying hard to keep a clean sheet as a devoted Wanderers fan.
What did the club chairman say about Terry Dunn?
Club chairman Marc White acknowledged that while Dunn may lack mobility, he will make up for it with heart and passion during the game.

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