Celtic Legend John ‘Dixie’ Deans Passes Away at 79
Celtic legend John ‘Dixie’ Deans has passed away at the age of 79. He is remembered for his incredible contributions to football, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s.
John ‘Dixie’ Deans: A Prolific Career
Brought into the world of football through Neilston Juniors, Deans became known for his scoring abilities. He was nicknamed after the famous striker Dixie Dean from Everton and England.
Early Years
Deans began his career at Neilston Juniors, where he showcased his talent. This led to a significant move to Motherwell in 1965.
- Scored 89 goals in 198 appearances for Motherwell.
- Helped the team win the Second Division title in the 1968-69 season.
- Known for his discipline issues, accumulating several red cards.
Transition to Celtic
In 1971, Deans joined Celtic after the team’s unexpected 4-1 loss to Partick Thistle in the League Cup final. His discipline improved significantly at Celtic under coach Jock Stein.
- Scored 124 goals in 184 appearances for Celtic.
- Notable for his hat-tricks in the 1972 Scottish Cup final and the 1974 League Cup final against Hibernian.
- Remembered for missing a vital penalty in the 1972 European Cup semi-final against Inter Milan.
Later Career and Legacy
In 1976, Deans moved to Luton Town following a successful stint at Celtic. His career continued with teams like Adelaide United, Carlisle United, and Partick Thistle before he retired in 1980.
Motherwell Football Club paid tribute to Deans, expressing that he will be fondly remembered for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess. The club extended their condolences to his family and friends during this sad time.
John ‘Dixie’ Deans leaves behind a legacy as one of the greats in Scottish football history.
