Gary Dempsey signed for Yeovil Town in July 2007, as Russell Slade looked to strengthen his midfield ahead of his second season at the club.

Irishman Dempsey is a player of good natural ability who is blessed with fine technical skills, a great work ethic, and who is a good ball winner with excellent vision.

He has therefore become a vital part of the squad, and with him turning down UEFA Cup football to come to Huish Park, his signing was seen as a real coup for the club.

Born is Wexford in the Republic of Ireland in 1981, Dempsey had played all his professional football in Scotland before joining the Glovers.

He initially joined Dunfermline Athletic in 2001 and enjoyed four good years at East End Park, making 98 appearances, scoring eight goals, before moving to Aberdeen in April 2005.

A move to Doncaster Rovers almost came about in January 2006, but after terms of the transfer could not be agreed, he stayed at Pittodrie.

By the start of the 2006/07 season Gary had become an integral part of a midfield that inspired the Dons to finishing the season in third place in the SPL, and a place in the UEFA Cup.

There is much competition for places in the Yeovil Town midfield this season, but surely a player of Dempsey's natural ability and determination will always be at the forefront when the starting line-up is being decided.