[Player Pics]


Goal machine John ‘Dixie’ Deans would prove to be one of Jock Stein’s most astute signings.

The Celtic manager caused a sensation in Scottish football when he signed the controversial Motherwell forward in October 1971.

The robust and gutsy forward had earned himself a reputation as a troublemaker for his on-field antics with the Lanarkshire club and at the time of Stein’s surprise swoop Deans was serving a six week ban.

However under the guidance of Stein the player cleaned-up his act and although he would remain a ferocious competitor his discipline was improved beyond recognition. He made a scoring debut for the Hoops at Partick Thistle as the Bhoys cruised to a 5-1 league victory on November 27th 1971. From that moment on loveable rogue Deans was an idol to the Parkhead support and he repaid their devotion in the best possible way – by scoring goals.

His bleakest moment as a Celt was to come in the European Cup semi-final of 1972 when on April 19th he missed his spot-kick as the Bhoys went out 4-5 on penalties to Inter Milan at Parkhead. It was an error the Celtic support was only to willing to forgive Deans for, recognizing as they did the player’s devastation at his miss.

Deans bounced back in typically gutsy and prolific style and in the Scottish Cup final less than a month later he smashed a hat-trick as Celtic destroyed Hibernian 6-1.

The small, squat Deans possessed incredible strength and energy and he continued to terrorise defenders throughout his Celtic career. On November 17th 1973 he hit six goals in a 8-0 thrashing of Partick Thistle. On October 26th 1974 he hit another cup final hatrick against Hibs - this time in a 6-3 demolition in the League Cup.

By the time of his departure to Luton in the summer of 1976 Deans had undoubtedly given his best years to Celtic. He left the support with some great memories and after scoring 124 goals in 184 appearances. While with Celtic he collected two league championship winners medals, two Scottish Cup winners medals, a League Cup winners medal and two Scotland caps.

Pictures
Player pics