dean austin - fact file

1992 - 1998        defender

FULL NAME :   Dean Austin

Born on 26th April 1970 in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England.

Height : -  1.8m  (5' 11")

Weight : -  78 kgs    (12st 4lbs)

 
One of a pair of full backs with Justin Edinburgh, who may not find a place in some fans' all time XI, but was reasonably effective and looked a good option when compared to some others who played in his position in that era.

Played for a Sunday team called Forest United and made it onto Watford's books as a junior (having trained with them as a 12 year old), before signing with non-league St. Albans.  Played at Clarence Park for just over a year and was spotted by Southend United manager David Webb, who signed him for the Shrimpers for £14,000.  Joining just in time for the run-in to the end of the season, he helped Southend finish third and gain automatic promotion to the old Third Division and the following season missed the early games through injury, but returned to the side to help them finish in the promotion places once more.  The Essex club almost made it to the top flight with a surge to the top of the Second Division table, but they could not maintain their form and dropped away finishing in mid-table.

Dean had turned down a move to Derby County earlier in the season, but he felt he could join a bigger club and Terry Venables had been watching the progress Austin had made and brought him to White Hart Lane for £375,000 in the summer of 1992, where he linked up with his former team-mate Justin Edinburgh.  The two young full backs had a torrid time as they were not crowd favourites, but stuck to their task and did well.  There were times when the thin figure of Austin got bundled of the ball and his distribution wasn't the best, but he curbed his attacking instincts and knuckled down to become a better defender.   

With the club seemingly blighted by controversy for most of his time at the club, Austin's nearest brush with success was being part of the side that reaches the 1995 FA Cup semi-final, only to lose to Everton at Elland Road.  It was not an easy time to be a Tottenham player and with the Spurs crowd used to having big names and big money signings, the likes of Austin, Samways, Edinburgh and Howells were the points of focus for their unhappiness.  Dean was not one of the best defenders ever to line up for the club, but he gave 100% and being a Spurs fan, I imagine he was desperate to do well, but it didn't work out for him.

By the time Gerry Francis became manager, Austin had suffered knee injuries and had missed a fair amount of playing time, so he was allowed to leave to join Crystal Palace, signing for Terry Venables once again.  However, the manager was only in charge for six more months and when he left, injuries and being out of favour left Austin out of the side for 18 months only getting back in the side when players were sold to bring in money to solve a financial crisis for the Eagles.  As a senior professional at the club, he was given the captain's armband and helped the club in relegation battles.

In November 2002, Dean joined Woking and was made captain of the side, which just avoided relegation and stayed until June 2003, when he was unable to agree a new deal with the club.

For a while he managed Farnborough Town, did some scouting for Reading and was also working as a personal trainer, but got back into league football, coaching with Southend in 2007 with their reserves and also acted as chief scout.  Austin moved to Watford under Brendan Rogers, becoming his assistant manager at Vicarage Road in the early part of the 2008-09 season.  Deano then followed Rogers to Reading in the same role and stayed at the Madjeski stadium from August 2009 to December 2009.

He was taken on as a coach at Crystal Palace by George Burley in June 2010 and only a change of management led to his dismissal in May 2011, after new boss Dougie Freedman was said to be unhappy about dissenting whispers about his style of management.

In 2013, he was coaching at Notts. County and earning a good reputation, Deano was linked with a move to Southampton to join their backroom staff.

 

NICKNAME :  Deano

Career Record
 
Club Signed Fee Debut Apps Goals
St. Albans 1989 ?? ??  ?? ??
Southend United 1990 £14,000 10th April 1990 v Burnley (Division Four) (away) drew 0-0 109 3
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 4th June 1992 £375,000 22nd August 1992 v Crystal Palace (Premier League) (home)   drew 2-2 150 + 10 as a sub 0
Crystal Palace 1st July 1998 Free ??  149 + 18 as a sub 6
Woking 29th November 2002 Free ??  17 2

Career Record
St. Albans

- League appearances; goals
- FA Cup appearances; goals
- Other appearances; goals
Southend United
96 League appearances; 2 goals
2 FA Cup appearances; 0 goals
4 League Cup appearances; 1 goal
7 Other appearances; 0 goals
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
117 + 7 as a sub League appearances; 0 goals
16 + 1 as a sub FA Cup appearances; 0 goals
17 + 2 as a sub League Cup appearances; 0 goals
- Other appearances; - goals

Crystal Palace

127 + 15 as a sub League appearances; 6 goals
3 FA Cup appearances; 0 goals
19 + 3 as a sub League Cup appearances; 0 goals
- Other appearances; goals
Woking

17 League appearances; 2 goals
- FA Cup appearances; goals
- Other appearances; goals

Honours
- international
- full caps;  - goals
Under-21 caps; goals
- Cup winners medal 19---

Milestones
- appearance

  

 

Spurs Monthly November 1994

What are the bare essentials of life … “My wife, the television and the telephone.  I couldn't live without them.”

Son Callum – 8 months old.

Enjoys Sega PGA Golf and World Soccer.

First roomed with Vinny Samways and he got him into Sega games.

Joined in playing the games on away trips with Darren Anderton, Ian Walker and Stuart Nethercott.

Enjoys playing golf.

Enjoys Billy Connolly videos and those of other comedians.

Likes “Only Fools & Horses” and “Waiting for God”.

Reads a lot of autobiographies – usually sport, such as the one by Andy Gray he read recently.  “Their life stories can help you as a footballer and give you inspiration.

Had a couple of BMWs, but now has a VW Golf GTi.

Lives in Hemel Hempstead.

Doesn't enjoy being stuck in traffic.
 

Spurs Monthly September 1997

Funniest Moment In Football ? During a warm-up at Coventry City before a live Sky game a few seasons ago. The Sky Strikers dance team were there with someone in a Bart Simpson costume and Steve Sedgley did a sliding tackle on Bart Simpson and sent him flying. It was very funny.

What's the most bizarre thing you've seen in football : Watching Colin Calderwood trying to kick a ball with his left foot !

What's the funniest thing you've seen in training : After training at Mill Hill a couple of years ago, the pitch was thick with mud outside the changing rooms and a few of us bet Colin £30 to strip naked and do a “Klinsmann” dive through the mud. He did it, but we didn't pay him !

Have you ever played against one of your childhood heroes : I have played against both of them – Glenn Hoddle and Bryan Robson.

Which of the newly introduced changes to the rules of the game have been most successful : I think the back-pass rule has made the game more exciting for fans. However, from a player's point of view it has made it quicker and the ball is in play longer, so I think there are more injuries as a result.

And the least welcome ? : For me as a defender, the back pass rule has certainly made my game more difficult.

If there was one rule in football you could change, what would it be ? : The game is fine, I don't think it needs changing, although I don't agree in penalty shoot-outs to decide matches, especially major tournaments. I think the 'golden goal' rule is good, just keep playing until one team scores, for as long as it takes.

Have you ever wished that you were not a footballer ? : Yes, when I am injured.

Did you ever wished that the ground would open up and swallow you ? : Two seasons ago in our FA Cup Fourth Round tie at home to Wolves, when my dodgy back pass gave them an equaliser and forced a replay.

Have you given any consideration to a career after football ? : I would like to stay in football in some capacity.

What has been your proudest moment so far ? : Walking out at Wembley in the 1992 FA Cup Semi-final against Arsenal.

Who do you see as a model footballer ? : Colin Calderwood.

What's The worst thing about being a pro footballer ? : Being injured.

Who are/were your sporting heroes ? : Nick Faldo and Ian Botham.

Who did you support as a boy ? : Spurs. I used to go to White Hart Lane on occasions when I was a kid.

Who had been the biggest influence on your career ? Lots of people really, but particularly my parents and David Webb at Southend United.

Do you have any superstitions ? I always come out last or second to last.

What do you think of football coverage in the newspapers ? It is fine for the average everyday supporter but, personally, I think it is a load of garbage.

If you could be any player at any time in history, who would you be ? Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup, that would have to be the pinnacle of any player's career.

If you had a time machine, where would you go ? Wembley in 1966, to see what the atmosphere was like when England won the World Cup.

If you were re-incarnated, what would you come back as ? The same again.

First crush (i.e. Actress/personality) ? : - Gymnast Suzanne Dando

First/last record bought ? : - House of Fun by Madness and Jamiroquai's latest album.

Which TV programme makes you turn off ? Gardener's World

Favourite pop act ? : - I don't have a particular favourite. I like all kinds of music – it just depends what mood I am in.

If you were an animal, what type would you be ? : - Probably a dog like one of mine. I have two springer spaniels, Dan and Chloe, and all they do is eat, sleep and go out for a run.
How do you relax ? : - Watching television stretched out on the sofa.

If you had three wishes what would they be ? : - To be a millionaire, play for England and win something.

What does your wife call you ? : - Deano – everyone calls me that.

How would you describe yourself ? : - Very impatient.

If you could be anyone else, who would it be ? : - I am quite happy being myself.

Who would be the first/last person you'd invite to a party ? : - Former Spurs player Steve Sedgley, because he is such a laugh/Colin Calderwood, because as soon as he arrived everyone else would leave.

Who would you not take to a restaurant for a meal ? : - Just being seen out with Colin is embarrassing, so it has to be him.

What is your favourite saying ? : - I haven;t really got one, although I believe in having no regrets.

Favourite football commentator ? Brian Moore.

Biggest self-indulgence ? : - I have got a very sweet tooth. I love all sweets, cakes and chocolates.

What was the worst job you ever had ? : - None. The only other job I have had was a paper round, as a kid, and that wasn't so bad.

What's then oddest place you have ever been to ? : - When I was about 13 years old I stayed at a vineyard in Germany. I don't know if all German houses are the same, but I remember it being a very odd shaped place.

When was the last time you went to the cinema ? : - I very rarely go to the cinema – the last time was probably about four years ago to see Indecent Proposal.

To a pop concert ? : - Eternal at Hammersmith Palais.

What's the best book you've ever read ? : - Michael Johnson's autobiography “Slay The Dragon.”

What's your favourite film of all time ? : - “Dumb And Dumber” or “Ace Ventura”, I like anything with Jim Carrey.

What is the best thing you have ever held in your hand ? : - My son Callum when he was born.

What's the oddest request you've received from a fan ? : - A boy in Ghana asked me to send him all my football kit and some money to buy some boots and shinpads.

What's the first track you would play if you had your own radio programme ? : - The England Euro 96 song “Three Lions” and I would dedicate it to Colin Calderwood.

Have you ever sung on a karaoke ? And if so, what ? : - I have never sung on one. I am not a singer and I won't get up.

Have you ever tried a dangerous sport ? : - Skiing is about as dangerous as I have tried.

Would you have a tattoo ? If so, what and where ? Tattoos don't really appeal to me.

Who has the worst dress sense at White Hart Lane ? : - It has to be Colin for sure. Just recently he has been wearing a horrible green suit on match-days that looks like someone has thrown up on it.

Do you have an anorak ? : - No, but I could always borrow Colin's !

Do you have an anorakish side to your nature ? : - No, I don't think so. I collect football shirts, but I think that is fairly normal.

Do you enjoy your own company ? - Yes.

What was the best book you read as a child ? “Willi Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

If the world was about to end in an hour, what would you do ? Be with my family.

What would be your ideal holiday ? Somewhere hot with good golf courses so I could play golf all day.

Favourite song of all time ? “Live Forever” by Oasis

If you could change one thing about your life what would it be ? My life is good. I have no regrets. I wouldn't change anything.

What are you most likely to complain about in a hotel ? Probably the food, I am quite a fussy eater.

What is your favourite soap opera ? EastEnders

Is there one soap opera character you would like to play or who you relate to ? Jack Duckworth – free beers for the lads.

What is your favourite non-football TV show ? Only Fools And Horses.

What other sports would you watch on TV ? Most sports, although golf and cricket in particular.

What is your favourite computer game ? Sega – PGA Golf.

Last book read ? “Slay The Dragon” by Michael Johnson.

Are you vain ? No

What would your motto be ? He who dares wins.

Do you worry about ageing ? Yes. I love what I do and it doesn't go on forever.

Do you keep a video library or a cuttings book of your career ? I have kept a few cuttings – only the good ones – and I have got some videos, not all, usually if I played well.

Where do you see yourself in five years time ? I have absolutely no idea. I don't know about six months ahead, let alone five years.
 

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What they said about Dean Austin
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What Dean Austin said about ...
... being out of the team at the start of the 1995-96 season ...  17.01.1996 (THFC programme)

"I'm never totally happy with my own game, because you must always look to improve.

All that you can do is stick to what you have been doing well and hope that it is enough."

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             Appearances

Season League FA Cup League Cup UEFA Cup
1989-1990(Southend United) 7 (0 goals) - - -
1990-1991 (Southend United) 44 (0 goals) - - -
1991-1992 (Southend United) 45 (2 goals) - - -
1992-1993 (THFC) 34 (0 goals) - - -
1993-1994 (THFC) 23 (0 goals) - - -
1994-1995 (THFC) 24 (0 goals) - - -
1995-1996 (THFC) 28 (0 goals) - - -
1996-1997 (THFC) 15 (0 goals) - - -
1997-1998 (THFC) 0 (0 goals) - - -
1998-1999 (Crystal Palace) - - - -
1999-2000 (Crystal Palace) - - - -
2000-2001 (Crystal Palace) - - - -
2001-2002 (Crystal Palace) - - - -
2002-2003 (Crystal Palace) - - - -
2002-2003  (Woking) - - - -
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