Stephen Herbert Deere (born 31 March 1948) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender for Norwich City, Scunthorpe United, Hull City, Barnsley, Stockport County, Bridlington Town, and Scarborough.[1]
Deere was born in Burnham Market, Norfolk.[1]
Deere joined nearby Norwich City in the early 1960s, as an apprentice. At the time, the Canaries were managed by legendary ex-player Ron Ashman. Ashman would eventually leave the club in 1966, but upon taking charge of Scunthorpe United the following year, he signed Deere, now aged 19.[1]
The young defender became a first team regular with the Iron throughout the late '60s and early '70s. In May 1973, he moved to Humber derby rivals Hull City, then in the Second Division. Tigers veteran Ken Houghton was also involved in the deal, moving in the opposite direction. On 8 December 1973, Deere scored his first goal for Hull at home to Crystal Palace as a part of a 3–0 win.[1][2]
In 1975, he fell out of favour under manager John Kaye, and was sent out on loan, initially to Barnsley, and later to Stockport County. Deere eventually left Hull in March 1976, joining non-league Bridlington Town on a short-term contract. That summer he moved again, arriving at Scarborough. On 14 May 1977, Deere played the entirety of Scarborough's 2–1 victory over Dagenham in the FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium.[1][3] In the twilight of his career in 1978, he returned to Scunthorpe for two more years before retiring.[1]
According to The Sunday Times in 2007, Deere became an executive with the Humberside Police after retiring.[4]
