Celtic Football Club Legend Dixie Deans Dies at 79 Years Old.
John 'Dixie' Deans secured six major trophies while playing with the Glasgow club.
The sporting community is saddened as Celtic legend John 'Dixie' Deans has died at the age of 79.
Capped twice for Scotland, Deans was renowned as a prolific striker for both Motherwell and Celtic throughout the 1960s and 1970s, securing six major trophies with the latter.
A Remarkable Career Journey
His career started with Neilston Juniors and was nicknamed after ex- Everton and England striker Dixie Dean because of his impressive goal-scoring exploits, which featured 60 in one season.
A move to Motherwell followed in 1965, where he continued to score goals consistently – 89 goals in 198 games – and claimed the Second Division championship in the 1968-69 season.
He collected a number of red cards while playing at Motherwell's ground, but Celtic manager Jock Stein remained undeterred from bringing Deans to Celtic in 1971, following a shock 4-1 League Cup final defeat by Partick Thistle.
Success in Green and White
His conduct on the pitch improved, but the scoring streak continued as Deans partnered with striking partner Kenny Dalglish to devastating effect.
He scored a three goals in both the 1972 Scottish Cup final and the 1974 League Cup final, both in victories against Hibernian, but is also remembered for missing the decisive penalty in Celtic's 1972 European Cup semi-final defeat on penalties against Inter Milan.
Deans moved to Luton Town in 1976, having bagged 124 goals in 184 games in green and white.
Later Career and Tributes
Further spells with Australian side Adelaide, Carlisle United and Partick Thistle followed before he retired from playing in 1980.
"Deans will be remembered fondly for his exquisite ability to find the net at Fir Park," said a statement.
"He has died at 79 years of age, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this deeply sorrowful time."
The tribute ended: "Rest in peace, Dixie."
