Dean, a former Plymouth Argyle apprentice, was signed on youth forms, he was allowed to continue to play for Exmouth at the weekend. He made his debut for Exeter in the FA Youth Cup 3rd round on a Tuesday evening in October 1982.

Dean played for the reserves and A team in 1983/84.

He made 28 apperances, scoring 18 goals for Exeter City in the Devon and Exeter Premier League in 1984/85.


He played and scored in the Devon Bowl final in May 1985 against Plymouth Argyle. (City won 6-5 on penalties after finishing 1-1 after extra time).

He also played for Dawlsih Town and in February 1989 played and scored for Tiverton against Glastonbury in a Western League fixture.