What's happened
John 'Dixie' Deans, a prolific goalscorer for Celtic and Motherwell, has died aged 79. Known for his goal-scoring feats and cup final hat-tricks, he was celebrated for his contributions to Scottish football during the 1960s and 1970s. Tributes pour in today.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
The Scotsman and AP News both highlight Deans' prolific goal-scoring and his significance in Scottish football history. The Scotsman emphasizes his disciplinary record and his role in Celtic's successes, quoting Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell and Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson, who both praised his talent and love for the club. AP News focuses on his career milestones, including his record goals for Celtic and Motherwell, and his memorable performances in cup finals. While both sources celebrate his achievements, The Scotsman provides more personal tributes and contextual background, illustrating his complex character and lasting legacy. The contrasting perspectives underscore his importance as a football icon and the deep respect he garnered across the Scottish football community.
How we got here
Deans began his career at Neilston Juniors, earning his nickname after Everton legend Dixie Dean. He moved to Motherwell in 1965, where he scored 89 goals and helped win the Second Division title. His fiery temperament was notable, but his goalscoring record drew attention. Celtic signed him in 1971, where he scored 124 goals in 184 appearances, winning multiple trophies and scoring two cup final hat-tricks. He later played for Luton Town, Adelaide City, Carlisle United, and Partick Thistle before retiring in 1980.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, which plays in the Scottish Premiership. Motherwell have not dropped out of the top flight of Scottish football since 1985, and have lifted one troph
-
The Celtic Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Glasgow, which plays in the Scottish Premiership. The club was founded in 1887 with the purpose of alleviating poverty in the immigrant Irish population in the East End of Glasgow.
-
James Connolly Johnstone, nicknamed "Jinky", was a Scottish footballer who played as an outside right. Johnstone played for Celtic for 13 years, and was part of the 'Lisbon Lions', the team who won the 1967 European Cup Final, as well as winning 9 consecu
-
Hibernian Football Club (), commonly known as Hibs, is a professional football club in Edinburgh, Scotland. The team competes in the Scottish Premiership, the top division of Scottish football. The club was founded in 1875 by members of Edinburgh's Irish.