The striker twice put Hibs to the sword at Hampden in both the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup Final
Dixie Deans hits a shot during warm-up December 1971
Former Celtic striker John ‘Dixie’ Deans has died aged 79.
The twice capped Scotland hitman was a regular scorer for the Hoops, as well as Motherwell during the 1960s and 70s. He picked up six trophies as a Celtic player before heading to England.
It was a Neilston Juniors where Deans was given his nickname, after Everton legend and scoring sensation Dixie Dean. He bagged an incredible 60 goals in one season for the Toffees and retains legendary status in the blue half of Liverpool.
His Scottish namesake joined Motherwell in 1965. He netted 89 times for the Fir Park club, firing them to the Second Division title in 1969. It was with the Steelmen that he caught celtic boss Jock Stein’s eye despite a habit of picking up red cards.
Stein made his move and took Deans to Glasgow in 1971 following Celtic’s shock 4-1 League Cup Final defeat to Partick Thistle. Deans continued to score goals after making the step up and formed an effective partnership with Kenny Dalglish.
Celtic’s Cup Final fortunates improved dramatically with Deans in the team. He hit a hattrick against Hibs in the 1972 Scottish Cup Final as Hibs were routed 6-1 at Hampden.
Dixie Deans scores against Hibs at Hampden
Earlier that year, Deans missed the decisive spot kick as Stein’s side lost a re-run of the 1967 European Cup Final, going out on penalties to Inter Milan in the semis.
He was then back to haunt the Hibees 18 months later, bagging another Treble as Celtic hit them for six yet again, this time in the 1974 League Cup Final.
Deans moved on to Luton Town in 1976 after 124 goals in 184 appearances for Celtic. Spells with Adelaide Utd, Carlisle Utd and Partick Thistle followed before he hung up his boots in 1980.
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