In 2002, on a typically rainy November Plymouth evening, a 19 year old goalkeeper from Ashford lined up between the posts at Home Park to make his debut for Brentford. Having been at the club since the age of nine, it was the reward for ten years hard work in the academy, and would prove to be the first of 645 appearances in senior football. On that first night in Devon, naturally, ‘Jules’ kept a clean sheet. 

Now, 22 years, nine clubs, five international caps, four promotions and one FA Trophy later, Alan Julian is hanging up the gloves at the end of the 2023/24 season, at the age of 41, and Hampton & Richmond FC are delighted to have been the final stop in his glorious playing career. 

In his time, ‘Jules’ has represented Brentford, Stevenage Borough, Gillingham, Newport County, Dartford, Sutton United, Billericay Town and finally the Beavers, earning the respect of teammates, coaches and fans alike. Notable for his excellent reflex saves, commanding organisation at the back and his on-pitch rapport with opposition fans, Alan has represented four of his clubs as captain, including Hampton & Richmond and picked up numerous Player of the Season awards along the way – even achieving a clean sweep of awards at the Bev in 2021/22. Proudly eligible for Northern Ireland through his grandfather, he has also been selected to represent his country on nine occasions at various levels.  

Following his departure from Brentford in 2005, Julian went on to secure a place in Stevenage folklore, as the Hertfordshire side won the FA Trophy in 2007 – becoming the first side to win a competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium. After making 159 appearances in all competitions, ‘Jules’ moved on to Gillingham, turning out on 80 occasions, and achieving the first promotion of his career in 2008/09. A second followed in 2013 when he helped Newport return to the Football League after a 25-year absence. 

Stints at Dartford and Sutton United came next, before a move to Bromley brought about another 80 appearances, and another promotion – this time taking the Ravens up to the Conference Premier. After leaving Bromley in 2017, Alan went to Billericay Town, where his 155 games across three and a half seasons led to two Isthmian League Cups and an Isthmian League title (and resulting promotion) in 2018. His time at Billericay also brought about the first – and only – goal of his career, scoring a bullet header in the last minute against former side Sutton United in the FA Cup. 

When Julian called time on his spell at Billericay, he moved back to his roots, signing for Hampton & Richmond, and becoming both the figurative and literal first name on the teamsheet as he went on to make a further 87 appearances, notably marking his 600th competitive senior match in an FA Cup tie against Wimborne Town. 

Across his playing career, ‘Jules’ has established a reputation as an accomplished performer on the pitch, and a consummate gentleman and professional off it. It’s for these reasons that Hampton & Richmond are delighted to confirm that Alan will be staying on at the club as Goalkeeping Coach, and has taken up the role with immediate effect.