During his time at Millwall, Alan Dunne was a player that came through the club’s youth system and epitomised the spirit the Lions fan's expected from their team.

Initially coming through the academy at Calmont Road, he was used in midfield once promoted to the senior side.

He signed his first professional contract in 2000 and made his debut for the club on March 19, 2002, against Sheffield United - and at the end of that season, he won the club’s player of the year award.

Dunne holds the record for red cards at the cub, being dismissed ten times and picking up 85 bookings during his 22 years at The Den.

Not the most technical of player, the then midfielder made his name as a right-back and occasional centre-half under the likes of Mark McGhee and Kenny Jackett.

But it was his spirit and desire to play for Millwall that shone through and endeared him to many a Lions supporter.

One area Dunne was blessed in was his ability to rifle shots from a distance low and hard into the corner of the net. 

There were several occasions where he would pull a creamer out the back to come to Millwall’s rescue.

A certain last-minute strike against Walsall at the Bescot Stadium comes to mind, as well as a terrific effort at home to Colchester, too.

They were little glimpses of brilliance from a player who gave his all and wore his heart on his sleeve for a club he loved.

Dunne was released in 2015 by then manager Ian Holloway; he would then sign for relegated League Two side Leyton Orient where he would play just a handful go games in two years there.

After his contract there was terminated by mutual consent, the defender moved to National League with Bromley where he would become a player/coach.

Dunne remains with the Kent side, but away from the pitch he and former Millwall defender Mark Phillips, who had also played at Southend and AFC Wimbledon, have a football academy they run.

The Phillips and Dunne football academy was set up by the pair who have over 35 years of combined experience in the professional game.