bowey310105

Goalscoring legend Bowey: Thanks everyone!

GOALSCORING legend Dean Bowey has once again spoken exclusively to www.kentishfootball.co.uk to personally thank everyone that has made his feat of scoring 301 career goals possible, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 40-year-old Slade Green striker reached his milestone by scoring a hat-trick in their 3-1 win over Sevenoaks Town at The Small Glen last week.

Maverick, as he is known to his team-mates, would like to put on record his thanks to all his well wishers throughout Kent football.

He said: "I have heard through the grapevine that there are plenty of people out there paying me compliments for reaching 301 goals.  I would like to say thanks very much.

"I have been lucky enough to have played for some great clubs in the Kent League.  However, some say I've had more club's than Tiger Woods!

"Without being involved with these clubs and the players they've had, I would never had the chance to score the goals I have.

"I would like to say a big thank you to Micky Watts, who gave me my first start for Darenth Heathside many moons ago against Beckenham Town.  We won 3-1 and I scored the first of my 301 goals.

"I have been asked many times which is the best Kent League side I have played for and I always say I couldn't split Dartford and Ramsgate, two great sides who had, and still have quality managers in Tony Burman and Jim Ward, both great blokes outside football too.

"Also I must thank my present managers Terry Malin and Phil Miles who have both had an influence in me achieving my 301st goal.

"A couple of months ago they talked me out of leaving my present club Slade Green.

"They told me I could achieve my target with them, and they wanted me too.  This was all I needed to hear.

"On Tuesday 25th January 2005 against Sevenoaks Town at the fortress The Small Glen, I left the pitch at the final whistle with a hat trick in a 3-1 victory.  My target of 300 goals had been achieved.

"I was the last one off the pitch and when I reached the dressing room my team mates gave me a round of applause.  That will live with me forever, I was so proud.  Thanks lads!

"So once again, thanks to everyone for your kind comments, it means a lot to me!"

Bowey has terrorised many defenders during his career, but Kevin Brown, who is currently injured but is registered at Kent League rivals Tunbridge Wells, paid tribute to the prolific striker.

The midfielder, who turns 30 in February said: "Just like to add my congratulations to Deano.

"I only had the pleasure of playing one season with him, last season at Greenwich Borough but I have played against him many times in the last 8-10 years.

"Dean is a great goalscorer and a great bloke.

"It amazes me how he is still going strong at 40."

Brown, who started his career as a youngster at Gillingham before playing non-league football with Sittingbourne, Tonbridge, Gravesend & Northfleet, Sheppey United, Canterbury City, Redhill, Herne Bay, Greenwich Borough before signing for the Culverden Stadium club, added: "I think what he has done is a remarkable achievement especially as he is now in his twilight of his career and there are a lot of good youngsters coming through in the league this year."