Dean Chandler

Who is Dean Chandler?

Dean Andrew Robert Chandler is an English former professional footballer. He currently plays for Redbridge and has represented England's Learning Disability team.

Chandler began his career as a trainee with Charlton Athletic, turning professional in April 1994 and making his league debut the following season. In 1994, Chandler along with teammate Lee Bowyer was found to have tested positive for cannabis after a training ground check. Both received bans of several months. On his return, Chandler found it difficult to break into the Charlton first team and in March 1997 was loaned to Torquay United. He made his Torquay debut against Lincoln City at Sincil Bank, but lasted only 20 minutes before going off with an ankle injury. He returned a fortnight later and played a further three league games for the Gulls.

Chandler was released by Charlton at the end of the 1996–97 season, having played just two league games, scoring once. In August 1997 he signed for Lincoln City, and played in the defeat away to Burnley in the League Cup on 26 August. Struggling to break into the first team, he was loaned to Yeovil Town on 28 November 1997. He scored on his Conference debut the following day against Cheltenham Town at the Huish. He remained at Yeovil until the end of January 1998, but returned to Lincoln at the end of the loan period.