Farnham Town can confirm the unfortunate news that Dean Rule will leave the Club this summer to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Rule made the move to The Memorial Ground in July 2023 after helping fire local rivals Badshot Lea to promotion the season before, appearing in all 38 league games and scoring 18 goals, with 25 goals in 46 games across all competitions.
He made an early impact on the team, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win for 10-man Farnham over Crowborough Athletic in the FA Cup Preliminary Round. On December 5th against Rayners Lane, he scored the second of four hat-tricks netted by Farnham Town players in 2023/24.
Dean established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet after the turn of the year, starting 23 of our final 26 games of the season, providing 17 goal contributions in those games split as evenly as possible with nine goals and eight assists. Rule netted the final goal scored at The Memorial Ground this past season, the second in a 2-0 win over Tooting & Mitcham United as the Town would go on to complete an invincible season.
He was one of six players in the squad who would reach double digits for both goals and assists over the course of our history-making promotion campaign. In total, Rule made 50 appearances for Farnham Town, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists.
Manager Paul Johnson said: “I’d like to thank Dean for everything he did for us last season. He was one of the most valuable members of the squad last season and was always available. He’s a great goalscorer and came up with some big goals for us last season. After the turn of the year, he really settled into his role in the side and kicked on. He was essential in our going unbeaten in the league.
“It was one of the toughest decisions of the summer to allow Ruley to leave. I would’ve liked to keep him with us but with the uncertainty around how many subs will be allowed next season, we have to keep a fine balance in the squad and we couldn’t guarantee Ruley the minutes he wants but also deserves.
“His contributions to football in the area will never be forgotten, not only with us but with Badshot Lea before as well – he was an important part of two promotion campaigns in back-to-back seasons. Ruley will always be remembered as a Farnham Town Invincible. We’re disappointed to be losing him this summer but understand and accept his reasons. He’ll always be thought of fondly here and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future.”
Everyone at Farnham Town would like to thank Dean for his contributions to our success last season and we wish him all the best as he leaves us to pursue opportunities elsewhere next season.