Basingstoke Town Community Football Club captain Simon Dunn has announced imminent retirement following an injury that expedited his earlier decision to step away from the game at the end of the season.
He decided to bring forward the timing due to an injury he suffered against Chertsey Town.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who has been at the centre of the club's journey for over a decade, said: "After a couple more setbacks since announcing I would retire at the end of the season, I have decided to bring this forward.
"Ultimately, I have not played much football since the end of the 2022-23 season. Even though I am proud of how many times I’ve got back up from being knocked down, I feel I have reached my limit with having to walk off the pitch injured. I will still attend as many home matches as possible, with a view to making one last appearance at some point towards the end of the season to end on positive terms. Thank you for all your support."
Dunn's footballing story began at Basingstoke Town’s academy, where he graduated to the first team in 2011.
Five years later, he joined Slough Town, where he played a pivotal role, earning the Players’ Player award during a successful stint.
After facing ongoing battles with mental health, an issue Simon speaks to elequently about, he took some time away from the game.
He has become an unintentional yet inspirational ambassador for those who have suffered or suffering from mental health, offering unwavering support to others both on and off the pitch.
His second chapter with Basingstoke began in February 2020, following a chance conversation with manager Dan Brownlie.
Reflecting on this critical moment, Brownlie said: “Simon is without a shadow of a doubt the most important signing I’ve ever made. He’s been a beacon of light within stormy skies. He’s been a warrior in the fight, and a calm head during chaos. He’s everything you’d ever want in a person, player, and captain.”
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Brownlie praised Dunn not only for his contributions on the pitch but also for his character off it, recounting moments like his support for a young fan after an altercation in the crowd and his quiet dedication to Basingstoke’s disability team.
Dunn's retirement marks the end of a chapter that has profoundly shaped the identity of Basingstoke Town.
Thanking the skipper, club chairman Jack Miller said: “The effort and performances that he’s put in, even through setbacks, shows the resilience of the person, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of Simon for. What Simon has done for our Football Club will not only live long in the memory of our supporters but will forever be etched into the fabric of our history.”
The club also extended thanks to Dunn's family—his wife Steph, his children, and his parents—for their steadfast support of both the player and the team.
To honour Dunn's immense contributions, Basingstoke Town has confirmed plans for a pre-season friendly against Slough Town ahead of the 2025-26 season.
This match will provide an opportunity for fans, players, and the community to celebrate Dunn’s legacy.
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