John 'Dixie' Deans secured half a dozen major honours during his time with Celtic.
The football world mourns as Celtic icon John 'Dixie' Deans has passed away at the age of seventy-nine.
Capped twice for Scotland, Deans established himself as a prolific striker for both Motherwell and Celtic throughout the sixties and seventies, claiming six major honours with the Glasgow giants.
A Remarkable Playing Career
His career started with Neilston Juniors and earned the moniker after former Everton and England striker Dixie Dean because of his impressive goal-scoring exploits, which featured sixty goals in a single campaign.
A move to Motherwell came next in 1965, where he continued to find the back of the net regularly – 89 times in 198 appearances – and won the Second Division championship in 1968-69.
He collected a number of red cards during his spell at Motherwell's ground, but Celtic boss Jock Stein was not deterred from signing Deans to Celtic in 1971, following a shock 4-1 League Cup final defeat by Partick Thistle.
Triumphs with Celtic
His discipline improved, but the scoring streak continued as Deans combined with fellow forward Kenny Dalglish to great effect.
He scored a three goals in both the 1972 Scottish Cup final and the 1974 League Cup final, each in wins against Hibernian, but is also known for missing the crucial penalty in Celtic's 1972 European Cup semi-final shootout loss against Inter Milan.
Deans transferred to Luton Town in 1976, having bagged 124 strikes in 184 appearances in green and white.
Subsequent Moves and Remembrance
Subsequent periods with Adelaide United, Carlisle United and Partick Thistle came next before he hung up his boots in 1980.
"Deans will be remembered fondly for his superb ability to find the net at Motherwell Football Club," said a statement.
"He has died aged 79 years old, and our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly sad time."
The tribute ended: "RIP, Dixie."
