RIP James Dean

By James Gordon

Former Northern Premier League striker James Dean has sadly died aged 35.

Dean, who played in the Football League for Bury, played for a number of NPL clubs and was part of promotion-winning sides for FC Halifax Town in 2011 and Chorley FC in 2013.

His last club, prior to the coronavirus pandemic, was Bamber Bridge, where he scored four goals in six appearances.

Brig said: "Following today’s tragic news, the thoughts of everyone at Bamber Bridge FC are with the family and friends of James Dean. RIP."

He also played for Stalybridge Celtic, Hyde United, Harrogate Town, AFC Fylde, Ashton United, Warrington Town, Padiham and Trafford.

Carl Garner, who gave Dean his first chance in the NPL with Clitheroe in 2006, tweeted: “We will always remember you son. Brought you here as a boy on £40, left us straight into Conference, then pro at Bury and later huge success in NL (non-league). All my love Deano lad.”

Tributes have been paid throughout the non-league community and beyond, including from former club Chorley, who said: “We're absolutely devastated by this afternoon's news - the thoughts of everyone connected with the club are with James Dean's family and friends.”

Lancashire Police confirmed that his body was found on Sunday following a public appeal after he had gone missing on Wednesday night.

A statement said: “Following extensive police enquiries a body was sadly found in the Moscow Mill Street area around 2.25pm today (Sunday, May 9).

“While the body has yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be Mr Dean. His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.”

The Northern Premier League would like to extend its condolences to James Dean’s family and friends.

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