The Sixth Sense

Dixie Deans had a habit of knowing where to be in front of goal – and 45 years ago this week, his senses were working overtime.

- Joe Sullivan

IT was 45 years ago this week that Dixie Deans created a memorable piece of post-war Celtic history when he rattled in SIX goals in one game.

Despite having Celtic’s post-war record goalscorer, Bobby Lennox in the same side and, since then, players such as Dariusz Dziekanowski and Gary Hooper netting five goals in a game, Deans’ record has stood firm.

Yes, not even the majestic Henrik Larsson could eclipse Deans’ tally of November 17, 1973 when Partick Thistle visited Celtic Park on League duty and suffered a 7-0 defeat at the hands of the Hoops.

Deans netted a hat-trick in each half and also set up Celtic’s other goal that was tucked away by Lennox, with the all-important sixth goal by the new record striker being notched in the 90th minute.

It was on January 14, 1928 that the legendary Jimmy McGrory blasted EIGHT goals past Dunfermline in a 9-0 win over the Fife side, and 45 years later, the club’s greatest ever scorer was watching Deans strut his stuff from the stand, wondering if his record was going to be broken.

And McGrory made sure he was down in the tunnel at the final whistle to congratulate the six-shooter striker.

Deans appreciated that gesture from a man he greatly admired and respected.

The Maryhill side were not the only opposition to be put to the sword by the prolific Deans, who scored 124 goals in 184 appearances during his Celtic career. This included trebles in two cup finals at Hampden, with Hibernian the victim on both occasions.