Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past History Information Request dixie dean

has anybody got pictures of william ralph playing for tranmere. also any autographs.

There is a book out by Gilbert Upton (see link to Amazon)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dixie-Dean-...mp;s=books&qid=1280488836&sr=8-1

This is what it says about the book;

This review is from: Dixie Dean of Tranmere Rovers, 1923-1925 (Paperback)
NEW BOOK ON DIXIE'S DAYS WITH TRANMERE ROVERS RE-WRITES HISTORY
The exploits of Tranmere Rovers' greatest ever player are fully documented when it comes to the glittering career he had at Everton, winning every major honour the game then had to offer. Quite rightly so, as they were of epic proportions.

In his book, published in 1992, Gilbert Upton has, for the first time, traced Dixie's short career at Prenton Park, where he started, in November, 1923, after being signed from Pensby Institute, until his transfer to Everton, for a Third Division record fee, in March, 1925. By the author of the highly acclaimed "History of Tranmere Rovers (1881-1921)", published in 1991 (now out of print), it documents this first spectacular phase of Dixie's extraordinary career, which has not been fully covered in the other available material, using newly researched material.

When collating and re-validating the previously accepted facts about Dixie's Prenton Park career, Gilbert uncovered several discrepancies and he now proposes that some incidents have, until now, been mis-reported or innocently mis-represented.

Whilst setting the record straight, he has also achieved something which may have seemed unlikely and added even greater lustre to the reputation of Dixie Dean, "the talented boy leader". Drawing on newspaper reports far and near, it is again possible to experience something of the thrill of seventeen-year-old Dixie's awesome rampages through the terror struck defences the length and breadth of the old Cheshire League and the Third Division North. The book also contains full details of Dixie's 70 appearances and 67 goals when at Rovers.

Just as importantly, Gilbert believes that his book, containing carefully researched evidence, has restored the reputation of Tranmere Rovers Football Club over their handling of Birkenhead's Greatest.

Born in 325 Laird Street, transferred to Everton for a fee of £3000 which is over £134,000 in today's money.

Dixie used to get on my bus now and again, when I was conducting. I could never bring myself to take the fare off him and if it was quiet used to sit and have a natter with him, lovely man.

Tranmere Team 1924-25 Season

Amazing, not even the weekly wage for some of them these days.

Didn't he have a pub in Chester after he retired?

yeh the "Dublin Packet"

Nice story...

At 32, Dean signed for Irish team Sligo Rovers in January 1939 in time to help the club with their FAI Cup campaign. On his arrival, the Railway Pub in Sligo town centre was said to be crammed with wondrous locals, clamouring to catch a glimpse of the legendary player. He scored 10 goals in seven games for the Connacht club[11] including 5 in a 7-1 win over Waterford which remains a club record for the most goals scored in a single game.

He also played four Cup matches scoring once. His goal came in the final against Shelbourne which ended in a 1-1 draw, Shelbourne taking the replay 0-1. Subsequently, Dean’s runners up medal was stolen from his hotel room. On a return trip to Ireland to watch Rovers 39 years later in the 1978 cup final a package was delivered to his hotel room with the medal inside.

thanks for the interest,i met dixie a few times my granddad knew him.he used to give me autographs for the kids at school.wish i had them now ,i remember he used to let me play with his medals and caps.a gentleman,indeed.modern players take note.

That reminds me - Dixie used to get on the bus at Duke Street - when he was playing for Everton !.

He lived at the St James end of Laird Street - because his dad worked on the railway he could have free train travel - so his Dad made him get on the train at North - but unbeknown to his Dad - he would get off at Park and get on the bus....!