Dixie Dean

I was 11 yrs. old when I went to my 1st football league match. I lived in Everton so had to be an Evertonian (still am) What a period ! (1927-1933) League Champions , relegated for the 1st time, back in the 1st Division straight away. Cup winners 1933. Sandwiched between, was another Championship, plus Dixie Dean breaking the long-standing record of 59 goals scored by Cramsell of Middlesborough. A hat-trick scored by Dixie to bring his goal tally in League matches to 60, and a total of 100 in all games played in the season 1927-1928.

On a lovely Spring day, Saturday of course, playing Arsenal with 3 goals wanted, Dixie's name was on everyone's lips. Arsenal dampened the crowds (full house 60,000) cheering, by scoring very early on. Dixie put the score level shortly before half- time. Dixie was pulled down in the penalty area. Only one man could take it, and he did. 2-1. Only one more wanted. An own goal by O'Donnell. 2-2. The result of the game was incidental. All the Everton players were feeding Dixie,time was ebbing away. Everton forced a corner. Alec Troup placed the ball on the spot. The crowd were silent. Next second Goodison Roared. Dixie had headed the 3rd goal. The record was his. What a man! Arsenal made it 3-3, who cared! We were Champions again, and the top goal scorer - 60 goals from the League games 100 goals with cup & Internationals. One thing which will never be beaten.(28/09/00)

Cyril Taylor aged 84. from Allerton.