A POEM ABOUT "DIXIE"

by Michael Morris

Everton once had a Captain, his name was "Dixie" Dean;

The greatest centre forward the world has ever seen.

FOUR FORTY goals in 497 (despite the dodgy fashion!);

And when he played at Anfield, he gave the Reds a bashin'!

Then on one day in '28 (the Arsenal were our foes);

Our Dixie worked a miracle – it kept us on our toes!

He needed just three League goals (one more for 58);

“Saturday, 5th May 1928”: Dixie beat the record and ended all debate!

The first a bullet header that bulged the “onion bag”;

A jammy “pen.” the second, but who am I to nag?

60 goals for Everton made us champions to the fore-

Please send me in the "Tardis" (if not against the law!)

To visit dear old Goodison, that bright and joyful day;

I'd love to see his 60^th and a shilling’s all I'd pay!

The corner lobbed by Alex Troup, right to that curly head;

A missile in the net again and all the doubts were fled!

They say that when he scored it, the roar above in Walton;

Woke pigeons at the Pier Head and carried on to Halton!

The seagulls got the “wildies” (they weren’t to know the score!)

Then flew right over Anfield and “scored”, below, once more!

A priest had been with Dixie the night before the game;

He prayed to God in heaven for him to seal his fame.

If only I’d have seen it, I'd die a happy man;

To have seen immortal Dixie, who was older than my nan!

I’ve heard that when he scored the third, a boozer begged a kiss;

But Dixie stuck to handshakes, with all the crowd in bliss!

I wouldn't have a care then - just ready for my box;

And up to royal blue heaven, with Dixie - bless his socks!

Some talk of icon “legends”, with “Beamer”, “Merc” or Lexus;

THEY COULDN’T LACE OUR DIXIE’S BOOTS; so leave it out - DON’T VEX US!

“Nil Satis Nisi Optimum” is on our badge so proud;

If our lads fail to reach their peak, they’re “informed” by the crowd!

So when you pass that statue and your kids say “Who’s that, dad?”

You’ll reply with a smile and a lump in your throat - “That’s easy – the best we’ve had!”

(With acknowledgement to John Keith’s excellent biography: “Dixie Dean –The Inside Story of a Football Icon.” William Ralph "Dixie" Dean would have been 101 on 22nd January 2008. He died at his beloved Goodison Park, 28 years ago, on Saturday 1st March 1980. Once a blue, always a blue. (Wayne Rooney, please take note.) Monday, 5^th May 2008 will be the 80^th anniversary of the achievement of an incredible record by a 21-year-old which, (barring supernatural intervention!), will undoubtedly last for all time. The name of the lad from Laird Street, Birkenhead will live for evermore. Rest in peace, immortal Dixie - and thanks for the memories!)