Dixie Deans has been back to Hampden to relive one of the most famous Scottish Cup Final goals.
The striker scored League Cup and Scottish Cup Final hat-tricks against Hibs but is best remembered for an epic solo goal in the 6-2 win over Hibs in the 1972 Scottish Cup Final.
Single handedly he worked his way in from the edge of the penalty box, twice taking the ball round goalkeeper James Herriot before shooting into the net from a tight angle and celebrating the strike with a forward roll!
That celebration became legendary and highlighted the exceptional rapport that the player built up with the Celtic support as he helped himself to 124 goals in 184 Celtic appearances.
Modestly describing that goal against Hibs he told The Sun: “It came after the second goal of my hat-trick against Hibs in the final and I was really proud of that strike. It was one of my best.
“It was not a simple tap-in. I took the ball round the keeper twice, and a defender, before scoring and I think a few people were shocked by my skill!
“I do a lot of Q&As at Celtic supporters’ clubs and they always ask me about the goal and the celebration.
“The fans also ask about my penalty miss against Inter Milan in the 1972 European Cup Final and that was just weeks before the Scottish Cup Final.
“In fact, I was not sure if I would play against Hibs or not after that but I did and we won the Double that day. It was the perfect way to crown my first season at Celtic.
“I always had a good record against Hibs. I also scored a hat-trick against them in the 1974 League Cup Final.
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I was at both games! Dixie was awesome to watch. A true Celtic hero.
Hail Hail Dixie.
We Were lucky to witness great Celtic men Leading from the front,and Dixie was one of them.How the hell did he out jump Central Defenders head and shoulders bigger than him,and bullet the ball into the net.Magic Memories.I was The Celtic End When he skyed the ball from the Penalty spot against the Italians but I wont tell you whit I called Him.God Bless You Dixie.
I took my son on a stadium tour and Dixie was the host. Great day and Dixie did an excellent job. A true Celt.
One of the great characters in Celtics long (unbroken ;0) and glorious history.
Jinky, Ten Therty, Macca, Oor Tommy, Broonie- guys you want in the dressing room, guys that pull a team together.
It can make all the difference to performances on the pitch.
HH
Dixie your the main man…….I met you many years ago at the travel-lodge in Camperdown in Sydney……you were playing for Adelaide city. We had a couple of bevies and you were great company! from Gerry from the Sydney Celtic Supporters Club. P.S. keep well Dixie from a Paisley buddie.