Brian Dear
Brian Dear | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 18, 1943 Plaistow, England |
| Occupation | Professional footballer (retired) |
| Years active | 1962–1971 |
| Known for | Football League striker for West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Millwall |
Brian Charles Dear (born 18 September 1943) is a retired English professional football player who operated as a striker in the Football League representing clubs such as West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, and Millwall.
Career
Born in Plaistow to parents originally from Tottenham, Dear earned the nickname Stag early in his career. He joined West Ham United at the age of 15 and played for England Schools. His first senior appearance came on 29 August 1962 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. During his time at West Ham, he made 69 league appearances and netted 33 goals. He was a member of the squad that secured the 1964–65 European Cup Winners' Cup title.
Dear set a record in English football for scoring five goals in the shortest time span, achieving this feat within 20 minutes around halftime during a match against West Brom on 16 April 1965.
While on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, he scored five times across seven matches. In 1969, he moved to Fulham for a transfer fee of £20,000, followed by a short stint at Millwall. He rejoined West Ham in October 1970 but only appeared in four games during the 1970–71 season, with his last game played on 19 December 1970 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
In January 1971, Dear along with teammates Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves, and Clyde Best faced disciplinary action from manager Ron Greenwood after an incident at a nightclub prior to an FA Cup fixture. They were fined a week's pay and suspended for two matches. The club's board even contemplated terminating their contracts. Subsequently, Dear's playing opportunities diminished, leading to his release at the conclusion of the season. He then continued his career in non-League football with Woodford Town.
Goalkeeper Peter Shilton has acknowledged Dear as one of the most challenging forwards he encountered.
After football
Following his retirement from professional football and a period working as a publican, Dear took up the role of catering manager at Southend United. In recognition of his charitable contributions, he was honored with the Freedom of the City of London in 2001. Additionally, Dear writes a weekly column focusing on West Ham United for the Yellow Advertiser's online publication.
Honours
West Ham
- FA Cup: 1963–64
- European Cup Winners' Cup: 1964–65