Dean Roberts played for Exeter City during 1986/87 having been a trainee with Bolton Wanderers. He later played for Weymouth and Heavitree.

Joining Bolton Wanderers as an apprentice, Dean signed his first full contract in January 1985, however, he never made the league breakthrough for the then Burnden Park club. After breaking his ankle he struggled to get into the team, and was released by the then manager Nat Lofthouse. 

Moving to Exeter City in July 1986, Dean immediately made his debut when lining up for the Grecians against Orient at St James’ Park and scoring the only goal of the match. Despite the fine start he was in and out of the City team, but he did score twice in one match, a 4-0 home win over Aldershot in November 1986. 

Given a free transfer at the end of the season, Dean signed for Weymouth before later playing for Heavitree. Firstly working as a bus driver, and later in an engineering factory and as a gas fitter, he had a spell living in Canada before settling in Derbyshire.