Dixie Dean to Receive Freedom of Wirral Posthumously
Everton football icon Dixie Dean is set to be posthumously honored with the Freedom of Wirral, the borough’s highest civic distinction. Councillors are expected to formally approve the nomination at an upcoming extraordinary council meeting.
William Ralph “Dixie” Dean, a native of Birkenhead, was nominated by the town’s Member of Parliament, Alison McGovern. McGovern emphasized that Dean’s remarkable achievements in football have made him a celebrated figure for all, irrespective of their team allegiance.
“I believe our heroes can unite us all,” McGovern stated, highlighting Dean’s universal appeal and lasting impact on the community.
Born in 1907 on Laird Street in Birkenhead, Dean’s football journey began at Tranmere Rovers before he made his pivotal move to Everton. His unparalleled record of 60 First Division goals for Everton in the 1927-28 season, achieved across just 39 matches, remains a benchmark in English football history.
Dean’s early life saw him attend Laird Street School and later Portland Primary, shaping his formative years in the heart of Birkenhead. In 1931, he married his wife Ethel at St James’ Church, later settling on Larkhill Avenue in Upton, where he resided until his passing in 1980 while watching Everton play Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Ms. McGovern expressed her hope that the honor would serve as an inspiration to “working-class kids in Birkenhead to go on to do things that are equally as miraculous as Dixie Dean.” She highlighted Dean’s humble beginnings and the challenges he overcame to achieve greatness.
“He came from a very working-class background. He had a hard life, and he had to fight for what he achieved,” McGovern noted. “I would say that Dixie Dean was a superstar footballer before there were superstar footballers.”
The upcoming extraordinary council meeting will focus on Dean’s exceptional contribution to Wirral, celebrating his legacy as a sporting icon and a source of pride for the local community. The Freedom of Wirral award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the borough, and Dean’s impact both on and off the pitch undoubtedly qualifies him for this prestigious honor. His story continues to resonate, reminding future generations of the power of determination and the enduring legacy of a true football legend.
