TODAY we continue our five-part series to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Dixie Dean's remarkable feat of scoring 60 goals in one season, a record which is likely to stand for all time. TO SCORE 60 goals in a top-flight season was considered an impossible dream. It was such an outlandish target that most reporters concentrated on Dean’s bid to eclipse another record. In 1925-26 Ted Harper of Blackburn had shattered the First Division’s scoring record when he struck 43 times. It was a mark that seemed well within Dean’s reach after his prolific start to the season. Everton already boasted a proud tradition for marksmen. Before 1927 they had more top division top scorers than any other club. It is a record they still hold today. Jack Southworth, Jim Settle, Alex ‘Sandy’ Young, Bert Freeman, Bobby Parker and Wilf Chadwick had all topped the First Division’s scoring charts. When Harper hit 43 he took the record from Freeman, who had hit 38 goals 16 years earlier. Just as Dean looked set to claim the top scorer’s mantle however, he seemed hit by an attack of nerves. Following his hat-trick at Anfield in a match described as “the best derby ever” Dean endured what could best be described as a goal drought. Four games in March failed to provide Everton with a victory and at one stage title rivals Huddersfield had a four-point advantage at the top of the table. Back-to-back goalless draws against West Ham and Portsmouth were followed by 1-0 defeats at Manchester United and Leicester. The barren run was finally ended with a 2-2 draw at Derby, a double from Dean finally hauling him ahead of Harper’s mark. “Today, after weeks of suspense, Dean got the goal that gave him the honour of top record scorer in the First Division of the League. The critics of the world have come to the conclusion that he is the best centre forward the game has known,” proclaimed one report. Sixty goals, however, was still a long way off . . .
Full story at Liverpool Echo website - click here
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