Dearden has played over 100 games for Torquay

The much-travelled 34-year-old, who began his career at Tottenham in 1988, is remaining at Plainmoor on a voluntary, non-playing basis.

Dearden, who has played over 500 games, spent much of his five years at Spurs on loan with nine different clubs before moving to Brentford in 1993.

He stayed with the Bees for over five years before spells with Barnet, Huddersfield and Wrexham.

Dearden was signed by former Gulls boss Roy McFarland in the summer of 2001.

He has played over 100 games for Torquay, but has been restricted to just six appearances this season.