National League South side Dorking Wanderers have turned to an unlikely source for their weekend fixture against AFC Totton — 54-year-old supporter Terry Dunn. The call-up comes after first-choice goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes suffered a spleen injury, leaving the club without a senior option between the posts.
Although Dunn officially retired from competitive football back in 1997, he has stayed active through walking football and previously played for local outfits such as North Holmwood FC, helping them to multiple promotions.
ICYMI - Local Goalkeeping legend, Terry ‘Big Tel’ Dunn puts the gloves on one last time for the Wanderers this Saturday vs AFC Totton - 3pm KO.
At age 54, Terry will be the oldest player to ever play for the club. pic.twitter.com/w1PuStS2Ob— Dorking Wanderers FC (@DorkingWDRS) September 4, 2025
Manager and chairman Marc White acknowledged the unusual nature of the signing but praised Dunn’s commitment:
“In an era where passion comes in low quantities, what Terry lacks in mobility, he’ll make up for in heart — and for one game, we’re just going to have to get on with it.”
For his part, Dunn expressed excitement at the chance to represent his club on the pitch:
“Playing in goal is like riding a bike — you never forget it.
"I still regularly play walking football. As a Wanderers fan, no one will be trying harder than me to keep a clean sheet on Saturday.”
Should he take the field, Dunn will become the oldest player ever to appear in National League South, surpassing Dorking’s own Tony Craig, who previously held the mark at 40.
The move is expected to be temporary. Dorking plan to bring in a goalkeeper on loan from next week to cover the four-week spell while Foulkes recovers.
For me, I think it is a huge PR ploy. With it being Marc White's first game back in the Meadowbank dugout, he will be keen to ensure that his side win to get a positive result in what has been a sluggish start to the season. It would not be a surprise to see a deal for an emergency loan be announced before kick off.
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