Darren Bastow

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Darren Bastow (born December 22, 1981 in Torquay) is an English former professional football midfielder, currently playing for non-league Upton Athletic.

Bastow began his career as an apprentice at Plymouth Argyle, joining the Home Park side in July 1998 after leaving Torquay Community College. He had been spotted by Argyle (and former Torquay United) youth development officer John James while playing for Torre Trojans. He became the youngest ever goalscorer for Plymouth when he scored on his league debut, after coming on as substitute in the 3-0 victory against Brentford at Home Park in November 1998. After a further 9 first team appearances whilst still a trainee, he signed a professional contract on his 17th birthday. His form soon attracted the attention of higher division sides, and in November 1999 he joined Premier League Derby County on trial, playing a reserve match against Coventry City. At the end of his trial he returned to Home Park, but was left out of the Argyle squad at the end of 2000 after some disciplinary problems. He subsequently walked out on Argyle, although Argyle held on to his registration, and initially refused to let him play for even Upton Athletic, a South Devon League side, managed by his father, Richard. In July 2000 he was sentenced for threatening and verbally abusing a teacher at Torquay Community College in January that year. His punishment was to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work in the community over the next 12 months, as well as a small monetary cost for compensation and costs. He was later cleared of intimidation charges. In October 2000 he briefly returned to Plymouth Argyle and resumed training, but later walked out again. He eventually returned to playing football, joining Upton Athletic on non-contract terms in August 2001. He agreed to join Torquay United on trial in October 2001, but nothing came of it and he continues to play for Upton Athletic, alongside his two brothers, Alex and Paul and his cousin Ian Bastow.