Along with Mathias Doumbe, Darren was one of two central defenders to join the Dons the day before the start of the 2009/10 season.

The tall, strong, experienced centre-half had enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Club ahead of putting pen to paper on a one-year deal.

Having started his career with Hampton & Richmond, London-born Darren joined Brentford in August 1998 and enjoyed four successful years at Griffin Park, making 128 appearances, before a £400,000 move to Crystal Palace in August 2002.

He quickly won a place in the hearts of Eagles supporters and scored a crucial, last-minute goal at the end the 2003/4 season to help Palace secure a 4-4 aggregate Play-Off semi-final draw with Sunderland. On that night, the Selhurst Park club won the tie on penalties, before going on to beat West Ham in the final and claim a place in the Premiership.

However, the following season he returned the Championship for a loan spell with West Ham in search of first team football before leaving the Eagles at the end of the 2004/5 season and joining Southampton on a Bosman free transfer in the summer of 2005.

After three years at St Mary's, Darren started the 2008/9 season with Derby County before re-joining Brentford in March 2009 and completing the season back at Griffin Park.