Dixie Deans: Celtic chairman leads tributes following death of legendary striker
Respects paid to prolific marksman who netted six goals in one match
Celtic and Motherwell have paid tribute to legendary former striker John 'Dixie' Deans, who has died aged 79.
Deans, who was capped twice by Scotland, was a prolific goalscorer for both clubs during the 1960s and 1970s, winning six major honours in a five-year spell with Celtic.
He started his career with Neilston Juniors where he scored 60 goals in one season to earn the Dixie Dean nickname after the former Everton and England striker.
A move to Motherwell followed in 1965, where he goalscoring feats continued - netting 89 times in 198 appearances to help the Fir Park side claim the Second Division title in 1968-69.
Deans was also known for his fiery temperament, picking up six red cards for the Steelmen including a notable sending-off against Celtic in 1967 for a tackle on Jimmy Johnstone.
Despite his disciplinary issues, Celtic boss Jock Stein was not deterred from bringing Deans to Parkhead in 1971, following the surprise 4-1 League Cup final defeat by Partick Thistle.
Deans improved his disciplinary record at Celtic but his goalscoring prowess remained as he combined with fellow forward Kenny Dalglish to great effect.
He scored two cup final hat-tricks in the 1972 Scottish Cup and 1974 League Cup wins over Hibernian and also netted six times in a 7-0 win over Partick Thistle in 1973, which is a post-war record for a single game. He departed for Luton Town in 1976 having scored 124 goals in 184 appearances for the Hoops.
Deans also went on to feature for Adelaide United, Carlisle United and Partick Thistle before retiring from playing in 1980.
Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell paid a personal tribute to the player.
“This is extremely sad news and I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Dixie’s family and friends,” Lawwell told the club website.
“Dixie was a great Celt and one of the finest goalscorers ever to have played for the club. I was fortunate enough to have watched him play throughout his career and he played his part in the successes we enjoyed in the 1970s, not least in those unforgettable hat-tricks he scored against Hibs in two cup finals at Hampden.
“I was even more fortunate to get to know him personally over the past few years, and it was always great to meet him here at Celtic Park on a matchday. What was always clear was his real love of Celtic and also the love that supporters had for him too.”
Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson added: “Every Celtic supporter will be saddened by this news and I know that the thoughts of the whole Celtic Family will be with Dixie’s family at this time.
“Dixie was always a Celtic supporter, and his fellow fans recognised and loved that about him, as well as appreciating his talents as a player and what he did throughout his time wearing the Hoops.
“To say his goalscoring record was impressive is an understatement, and he will always be remembered as a true Celtic great.”
In a statement, Motherwell said: "Deans will be remembered fondly for his exquisite goalscoring form at Fir Park. He passes away aged 79 years old, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Dixie."
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