Dean Gerken

Dean Jeffrey Gerken (born 22 May 1985) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Bristol City FC. Gerken was born in Southend-on-Sea. He started his career at Southend United as a youngster before moving to Essex rivals Colchester United. As a teenager he attracted the attention of England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence. He made his first-team debut against Brentford in League One in 2004, as a stand-in for Simon Brown and Richar... more

Dean Jeffrey Gerken (born 22 May 1985) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Bristol City FC. Gerken was born in Southend-on-Sea. He started his career at Southend United as a youngster before moving to Essex rivals Colchester United. As a teenager he attracted the attention of England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence. He made his first-team debut against Brentford in League One in 2004, as a stand-in for Simon Brown and Richard McKinney. In the 2004–05 season, replacing first-choice goalkeeper Aidan Davison, Gerken kept four clean sheets in 17 appearances. More appearances in Colchester's successful 2005–06 campaign gave Gerken another four clean sheets, including the crucial 0–0 draw at Yeovil Town that clinched Colchester's promotion to the Football League Championship. Gerken made the number one position his own as the over-achieving U's ended the 2006–07 season in tenth place. Gerken was crowned Colchester's Young Player of the Year for 2007. He signed an... less