Nathan Elder

Early years

Elder was born in Hornchurch. He first played football while attending Langtons Infant School in his hometown Hornchurch, starting out as a defender. His first club was Sunday league side Barns Sports, before moving up to Isthmian League Division Three side Hornchurch. Moves up through the echelons of the Isthmian League to Barking & East Ham United, Aveley and Billericay Town followed. While he appeared sparingly for Billericay Town between 2004 and 2007, he scored prolifically, scoring 36 goals in 26 league appearances for the club.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Elder joined Brighton & Hove Albion on 1 January 2007, after the "Seagulls" paid his former club Billericay Town £10,000 after being impressed with his talent during a match for Isthmian League Billericay against non-League rivals Worthing. At Brighton, Elder found first-team opportunities under Dean Wilkins very difficult. During his time there he only started three games, two in League One and one in the Football League Trophy, scoring just twice for the club in total.

Brentford

On 31 January 2008, Elder joined Brentford for £35,000. He scored an own goal on his debut for Brentford against Mansfield Town after just 15 minutes (though the goal was later credited to Mansfield player Michael Boulding), but scored the winner as Brentford eventually won 3–2. Elder won a 2008–09 League Two championship medal with the Bees, but his season was ended early after suffering a double fracture…

Elder attended Langtons Infant School and Emerson Park Comprehensive. He stated that Andy Cole was the player he modelled himself on. Prior to becoming a professional footballer, he worked as an instructor in a gym. After leaving professional football, he worked in recruitment at Leadenhall Market.

Brentford Football League Two: 2008–09 Dover Athletic

Conference South play-offs: 2014