March 1st 1980

[Upper Sturry Sherbets]

The thread title speaks for itself, all Evertonians will know the significance of today, young and old, to the farthest ends of the earth even.

ask any soccer expert who they think their choice would be as the greatest center forward that has graced the game, and I think a fair number would only have one answer.

William Ralph Dean.

Perhaps the greatest player Everton ever had, certainly the most prolific scorer in the sides illustrious and distinguished history,

and it was 30 years ago today, that he passed on, and we lost this collusus of a player, ironically at Goodison Park of all places watching his beloved blues in a derby game. ( I won't give away the outcome)

To those not young enough to know all the superlative details and honors of this great man, he was a living legend across the country, quickly establishing himself in legendary status with his scoring exploits.

His record of 60 league goals in one season, and 82 in total I think, remains a record that may well stay intact for all time, the man was immense, many of his goals came from his head, he was unparalleled in the air.

If you ever get a chance, or have not seen it, I strongly urge you to read Ian McDonalds tribute on Toffeeweb, I have the 35 page printout, and it's a must for supporters of all ages, Dean from the cradle to the grave in fine detail, it's a long read but well worth anyones time, Everton or not.

I only wish I had had the chance to have met him, or seen him play other than in archive footage.

he was never booked or sent off despite some harsh challenges and rough play, the man was a consummate gentleman as well as a outstanding marksman.

William Ralph 'Dixie' Dean

Footballer. Gentleman. Evertonian.



22nd January 1907 - 1st March 1980.

I]

 

[Upper Sturry Sherbets]

That was supposed to have come out in italics or bold type, I wanted to highlight it, it was such a grand occasion, sorry Dixie.

here's a worthwhile bit of Dean if you haven't seen it.

Dixie Dean

 

[Hayee]

Rest in peace Dixie, thankyou for all you did for our club

 

[alexishelmsley]

To be fair, i now feel really sad remembering that it was today that Dixie went!

I always drink in the Dublin Packet in chester, as he used to own and run it!

Thank you, Dixie. <3

 

[little curly alan ball]

The thread title speaks for itself, all Evertonians will know the significance of today, young and old, to the farthest ends of the earth even.

ask any soccer expert who they think their choice would be as the greatest center forward that has graced the game, and I think a fair number would only have one answer.

William Ralph Dean.

Perhaps the greatest player Everton ever had, certainly the most prolific scorer in the sides illustrious and distinguished history,

and it was 30 years ago today, that he passed on, and we lost this collusus of a player, ironically at Goodison Park of all places watching his beloved blues in a derby game. ( I won't give away the outcome)

To those not young enough to know all the superlative details and honors of this great man, he was a living legend across the country, quickly establishing himself in legendary status with his scoring exploits.

His record of 60 league goals in one season, and 82 in total I think, remains a record that may well stay intact for all time, the man was immense, many of his goals came from his head, he was unparalleled in the air.

If you ever get a chance, or have not seen it, I strongly urge you to read Ian McDonalds tribute on Toffeeweb, I have the 35 page printout, and it's a must for supporters of all ages, Dean from the cradle to the grave in fine detail, it's a long read but well worth anyones time, Everton or not.

I only wish I had had the chance to have met him, or seen him play other than in archive footage.

he was never booked or sent off despite some harsh challenges and rough play, the man was a consummate gentleman as well as a outstanding marksman.

William Ralph 'Dixie' Dean

Footballer. Gentleman. Evertonian.



22nd January 1907 - 1st March 1980.

I]

Sherb' , I was gonna post this . Glad I never , I wouldn't have done it justice . Superb effort , Sir .

I remember the day , and the Funeral a week later .
My Nanna's Hero . Greatest Evertonian of them all .

R.I.P. Bill Dean .
" Once a Blue , ... "

 

[bluebastardo]

RIP William Ralph Dean.

 

[cahillsalegend]

RIP Dixie, we`ll always love you, young and old.

 

[Upper Sturry Sherbets]

Just got on, and my god do you realize the time?

how fitting is this.

Dixie died minutes after the final whistle of a derby game,

right now, 30 years from now, say 4.50 or thereabouts. :blink:

It's Goodison Park this day in 1980,

and we are about to lose our greatest player ever any moment now.

Goosebumps on the arms here, it's a tense moment.

I'm having a minutes thought right now for Dean.

 

[Goat]

RIP Dixie.

 

[Upper Sturry Sherbets]

If I had suggested that Dean was in fact Donovan, in another life, or Mountino even, and was partial to some pineapple pizza this may have got off the ground.

In all seriousness, I don't know the exact time of passing, but I do have hairs on the back of my neck right now, it;s like in a way when a relative dies and you can feel it within yourself as it happens, or sort of like that.

And Dean was a family member to all Evertonians, men, women and children of all ages.

I'm just hoping the derby match was now, and not an evening or midday start, as it renders this moment less significant.

Not sure of, or can't recall even, what kick off starts where like 30 years back, but I'm assuming it was 3pm, and here we are.

He may well have passed on now, so I guess we can move on now.

Once again, for what it's worth, thanks for all the years of service and great memories William.

It was an honor.

 

[Sheedy's Third]

A legend .Unsurpassed footballing giant and true blue gent .
R.I.P. William Dean.

 

[chrissyjack]

If we ever get a new stadium, they should name a stand behind one of the goals after him

 

[moyes_bringin_it_back]

Quite simply a collossus of the game.


Had a motor bike crash ... then comes back stronger than ever.

Its the sort of thing Hollywood would film...

Except in his case its all true.

 

[Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian]

Quite simply the greatest number 9 ever, and for Evertonians.......

Dixie scored a record 60 League goals in the season 1927-8 in thirty-nine games, plus 3 F a. Cup goals and 19 in representative games, for a total of 82.

Your achievment will never ever be matched, let alone surpassed.

R.I.P William Ralph Dean
1907- 1980

 

[chicoazul]

RIP Dixie.