Derek Bryan (footballer)

Early years

Bryan grew up in Hammersmith, London and began his career at Combined Counties League Premier side Bedfont Green. He joined Isthmian League Division Two side Hampton on 1 August 1996. He left the club in August 1997.

Brentford

Bryan signed for Division Two side Brentford on 29 August 1997 in a £50,000 deal. He made his debut for the club in a 0–0 league draw at Plymouth Argyle on 13 September, replacing Ryan Denys after 81 minutes. He made his first start in a 2–2 away draw with Bristol City on 3 March 1998. He capped his day by scoring the opening goal just before half time and was substituted after 59 minutes for Niall Thompson. He bagged his second goal in as many games on 7 March, scoring Brentford's second in a 3–2 victory over Bournemouth, though he was replaced by Andy Scott at half time. Niggling injuries saw Bryan make just 11 appearances during the 1997–98 season, scoring two goals as Brentford suffered relegation to Division Three on the last day. Bryan had to wait until November for his first appearance of the 1998–99 season, coming on as a 56th-minute substitute for Drewe Broughton in a 2–0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town. He scored his first goal of the season on 2 January 1999, netting the second in a 3–1 defeat of Barnet. Now holding down a starting place, he scored in a 3–2 win over Torquay United on 13 February and Brentford's equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Scarborough on 27 February, taking his tally to three goals in seven games. Bryan made 24 appearances during the 1998–99 season, scoring four goals as Brentford were promoted straight back to Division Two as champions.

Back in Division Two for the 1999–00 season, Bryan scored on his third appearance, firing home the opener in a 2–0 victory over Oldham Athletic. He continued to make regular appearances throughout the season until disaster struck in a Football League Trophy quarter-final tie at home to Oxford United on 25 January 2000. Bryan scored the opening goal of the 2–0 win, but in the process he damaged the medial and cruciate ligaments in both knees. The injury meant that he missed the rest of the 1999–00 season and the entire 2000–01 season. Bryan made his comeback from the injury after 77 minutes of a 2–1 league victory over Peterborough United on 13 October 2001, when he came on as a substitute for Ben Burgess. It turned out to be Bryan's final appearance for the club and he was released in March 2002. During his time at Brentford, Bryan made 64 appearances and scored 10 goals.

Gravesend & Northfleet

Bryan signed for Isthmian League Premier Division high-fliers Gravesend & Northfleet on 11 March 2002. He made his debut for the club on the same day in a 2–0 defeat to Purfleet, making little impact and being substituted for Che Stadhart half time. It was Bryan's only appearance for the club and he and departed a matter of weeks later.

Welling United

Bryan joined Southern League Premier Division side Welling United in late March 2002. He made his debut in a 1–1 draw with Weymouth on 30 March, coming on as a 65th-minute substitute for goalscorer Tommy Tyne in a 1–1 draw. Bryan made his first start for the club in a 1–0 defeat to King's Lynn on 6 April, playing the full 90 minutes. Bryan scored his first goal for the club in the following game versus Tamworth, levelling the scores at 2–2, before being withdrawn at half time during a 3–3 draw. Bryan made 9 appearances and scored one goal during what remained of the 2001–02 season and left the club at the end of the campaign.

Walton & Hersham

On 8 November 2002 Bryan signed for Isthmian Division One South side Walton & Hersham and left the club the following month after failing to make an appearance.

Return to Hampton & Richmond Borough

Bryan signed for former side Hampton & Richmond Borough (then members of the Isthmian League Premier Division) on 3 December 2002. He made his debut in a 6–0 Isthmian League Cup defeat to Lewes on 11 December.

Honours

Brentford