Dixie Dean's 60 league goals: Critchley was the winged hero of Dean’s goal blitz
May 1 2008
Dixie's Sixty: Part Three - From 24-36
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
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.
DIXIE DEAN rated Alec Troup as “one of the best wingers there has ever been.”
But the little “electric tripper” who sent over the corner kick from which Dean headed his 60th goal of the season wasn’t the Everton legend’s chief supplier in 1927/28.
While Wee Troupie arrowed over a string of crosses from outside left, on the opposite flank Ted Critchley was even more prolific.
The match reports of the 1927/28 campaign don’t always detail the full build-up of every goal, but where they did it was possible to record Critchley’s involvement in at least 17 of Dean’s 60 goals.
Comfortably Dean’s chief creator – Troup was next with seven assists – Critchley was a speedy, flamboyant winger who loved to get among the goals himself.
Dean certainly rated him. “Ted was a fine player and a great signing for us. He knew how to centre a ball and we harmonised well,” he said.
“Little Alec on the other side was an amazing feller and a great ball player . . . he stood only five feet five inches but was full of bravery and skill.
“Because of a weak collar bone which kept slipping out of joint he had to play with a strapping on his shoulder every game.
“I think we had a perfect understanding and I think I have to thank him more than anyone else for the part he played in scoring the goals I did.
“I’d rate him one of the best wingers there’s ever been.”
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