The frustrations of life at the other end of the country, away from his family and the lack of first team football once again, forced Dennis to return to his native North East to get married. Darlington stepped in and offered him the chance to continue his career in the first team whilst being close to home, allowing him to marry his then fiancé Janine Kent. Little did he know that on his wedding night he would be knocked out cold in an aerial challenge against Stockport County. Darlington running out 3-0 winners on the night, but with his new wife watching from the stands, he had to be taken to hospital for checks, some way to spend your wedding night!