Kicking off a new career
It's been a fantastic few days for footballer Dean Craven and his AFC Telford United team-mates. A thrilling 3-1 play-off final victory at Witton Albion clinched promotion. But Dean is looking beyond the final whistle.
A thrilling 3-1 play-off final victory at Witton Albion clinched promotion from the Unibond Premier League to the Conference North - and sparked wild celebrations.
But fans' favourite Dean is already preparing for the day when the final whistle blows and the cheering stops for good.
For the 27 year-old wing back, who started his career with West Bromwich Albion and also played for Shrewsbury Town and Hereford United, has launched his own family electrical company.
Broseley-based JC Electrics also features Dean's dad Jim Craven, who has nearly 20 years experience of running his own electronics company, brother Paul, a qualified electrician, and mum Pat, who does the books.
The company carries out any electrical work, industrial, commercial or domestic.
Supporters used to cheering on Dean at the New Bucks Head might be surprised to learn he has another impressive string to his bow - holder of the electrician's qualification, the 2391.
It takes three years to obtain and qualifies him to issue inspection and testing certificates.
Dean became interested in running his own electrical company when he was a full-time professional footballer. While some players idle away spare time with snooker, golf and designer shopping, Dean put his time to practical use.
"This is a full-time job for me. It's not even 40 hours a week - it's far more. For instance, I had a 5.30am call out to Dudley only today. It is really hard but I will try to make sure I get rest before training sessions and matches so that I have got plenty of energy for football."
Dean is driven by the need to provide long-term security for partner Rebecca, whom he is to marry next month, and their 18-month-old daughter Lois.
"I am determined to make a success of this business for my family as well as myself," he said.
Work is steadily coming in for Shropshire-born Dean, a former pupil at BRJ School, Wellington, who lives in nearby Leegomery.
He has some major clients already including WM Shutters, of Hortonwood, Telford, and Oakengates-based Proactive Personnel.
"They are both great companies to work for, really nice guys who have been very helpful.
"I'm very keen to get work with more Telford companies if I can."
It is a brilliant era for AFC Telford with two promotions in three seasons.
"We are really well supported and I'm convinced that's because the fans have a stake in the club. I'm sure they will be in the Football League one day," said Dean.
And it looks like Dean Craven, electrician, is going places, too.
* Contact JC Electricals on (01952) 883217.
