Dennis Jenas (B1960)
Dennis was actually born Genas, in Nottingham, but changed his name as he wanted to be known as DJ at school.
He is a former Clifton All Whites and Ajax, Nottingham, striker who had previously had trials with Nottingham Forest.
Dennis made his debut for Grantham Town FC in the August 1979 league match at Southport and scored his first goal for the club a week later in the 5-0 thrashing of Workington.
He immediately formed an impressive forward partnership with Robbie Cooke and this continued the following season with the arrival of Dave Leadbeater.
He was a popular player, with tenacity for scoring goals and a broad smile.
Dennis played in the October 1980 County Cup Final at Lincoln City, but soon after this he left London Road to move to Burton Albion.
Transfers then followed to Buxton, Matlock Town, Shushed Charterhouse, Kettering Town, Wellingborough Town and Eastwood Town, before he returned to Grantham in November 1985 to make a lone appearance in the game against Rushden Town.
His playing career continued at Arnold Town and Alorton Town, where he finished for both clubs as the season’s top scorer, winning two league championship medals.
A brief period was then spent with Kelsi in Finland’s Division Three, as their player-coach, after he had become only the third coloured player to achieve the FA’s full coaching licence.
In the 1988/89 season he was appointed player-manager at Ilkeston Town and following a brief spell at Tamworth, Dennis returned once more to Grantham. However, he made just five more appearances, the last of which came in October 1990 at home to Atherton United in the FA Trophy, just a week before the club left London Road.
In the early 1990s, Dennis played for Sutton Town, Highfield Rangers, Harrowby United and Forest Athletic among others. During that time he was also a coach for the Nottingham Forest Academy, which is where his son, QPR and England star, Jermaine Jenas, began his career.
Dennis has had to revert to his original name now after remarrying in the United States, where he works as a Football Coach for Albuquerque Asylum Football Club, New Mexico.
He’s the third coach in the team’s three years of existence, but he’s made quite a difference.
The players have welcomed the attitude and work ethic Dennis has brought to the squad.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.