Retro: The career of Worksop Town legend Darren Brookes

Brookes had three spells at the club who he first joined as a teenager towards the end of the 1991/2 season.

He made a scoring debut at home (At Gainsborough) to Rossendale United. It was to be October 1994 before he scored again.

Retained for 1992/3, the homecoming season, he made 11 appearances, but only one full appearance the following season.

The 1994/5 season saw Darren grab a permanent place in the side, making 57 appearances, scoring three goals and being named the director’s player of the season.

This pattern continued with 49 appearances and 2 goals, including one against Guiseley in the President’s Cup Final, in 1995/6.

He again scored in a cup final at the end of 1996/7 season against Harworth in the Sheffield Senior Cup at Hillsborough.

This was his 50th appearance and brought his consistent form to the attention of Doncaster Rovers, who signed him that summer.

He was back gracing the Sandy Lane turf with a nine match loan spell from Doncaster in 1998/9, scoring in his last appearance against Emley.

This wasn’t the end of his Worksop career, however, as he was signed from Grantham for season 2000/1, making a further 39 starts and adding another three goals.

The following season saw five appearances before he was sold to Alfreton Town for £1,000.

In total “Brookie” made 223 appearances and scored 12 goals for Worksop.