Celtic legend Dixie Deans dies aged 79

EDINBURGH: Scottish football icon Dixie Deans, a prolific striker who earned two caps for Scotland and became a celebrated goalscorer for both Motherwell and Celtic during the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79.

Deans began his football journey with Neilston Juniors and was nicknamed after former Everton and England great Dixie Dean due to his remarkable scoring achievements, including an astonishing 60 goals in a single season.

He moved to Motherwell in 1965, where he continued his impressive form, scoring 89 goals in 198 appearances and helping the club secure the Second Division title in the 1968–69 season. Though known for picking up several red cards during his time at Fir Park, Celtic manager Jock Stein was undeterred and signed Deans in 1971 following Celtic’s shock 4–1 League Cup final defeat to Partick Thistle.

Deans adapted quickly, forming a strong attacking partnership with Kenny Dalglish and becoming instrumental in transforming Celtic’s fortunes in domestic cup finals. He famously scored a hat-trick in the 1972 Scottish Cup final, where Celtic defeated Hibernian 6–1 at Hampden Park.

He repeated the feat with another hat-trick in the 1974 League Cup final, again against Hibernian. Despite these highs, Deans is also remembered for missing a crucial penalty in Celtic’s shootout loss to Inter Milan in the 1972 European Cup semi-final.

In 1976, Deans moved to Luton Town, having scored 124 goals in 184 appearances for Celtic in the iconic green and white. He later had spells with Adelaide United, Carlisle United, and Partick Thistle before retiring from professional football in 1980.

Motherwell paid tribute in a statement, saying, “Deans will be remembered fondly for his exquisite goalscoring form at Fir Park. He passes away aged 79, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Dixie.”