John ‘Dixie’ Deans 30/7/1946 – 9-12-2025

We were saddened to learn of the passing of ‘Dixie’ Deans, a striker who only played for the Hatters a short time but certainly was ‘once seen never forgotten’.

Born in Johnstone, Scotland, Dixie was a scoring revelation in his home country for both Motherwell and Celtic and bagged a hat-trick for the latter in a Scottish Cup final, and six in a league game against Partick Thistle in 1973. He also picked up two Scotland caps during his time at Celtic Park.

It was regarded as a big coup by Luton manager Harry Haslam when he brought the 30-year-old to Kenilworth Road in 1976, and he did not disappoint, scoring six goals in 14 appearances including two on his debut against Sheffield United.

Short and squat and the complete opposite of a lithe athlete, Dixie was a bull of a striker and brilliant in the air but indiscretions both on and off the pitch saw Haslam lose patience and he was packed off to Carlisle.

After a time playing in Australia, Dixie settled back in Scotland where he is became a publican and a matchday host at Celtic Park.

Our condolences go out to all his family and friends.

Roger Wash