Dalian Atkinson

[Deano's Mullet]

In 1992-93 he'd got 11 league goals by November plus a couple more in the Coca-Cola, got injured and was never the same when he came back with a few games to go. I wonder whether he'd have sustained that form long term had it not been for the injury. 1993-94 in many ways I think we saw even more spectacular stuff but spread a bit more thinly, he managed eight league goals by January and didn't get another one until November the following season. In the cups though he was unstoppable and those goals vs Tranmere and Man United were crucial and make him rightly so a legend in my eyes. We debate legend but anyone in a Villa jersey who contributes to a cup win is a great as far I am concerned. Dion Dublin might have played more games and scored more goals - and arguably put in more effort - but I don't hold him in the same esteem.  RIP Big D.

[NeilH]

I am utterly lost for words, scorer of many of my favourite goals and a key member of a Villa team that I genuinely loved.
RIP.

[SamTheMouse]

Still cannot quite believe this. He was a great talent and contributed greatly to some of my most treasured Villa memories. As frustratingly inconsistent as he could be, you never knew quite what to expect. The adjective "mercurial" could have been coined for him.

2016 can fucking do one. What a horrible year.

[Damo70]

I've just put Talksport on and heard on the midday news. When they said "an ex Aston Villa striker has died in a taser incident" I was thinking it is probably a former youth player I have never heard of. I was at the Wimbledon game for 'the goal' also recall going to a Q&A evening with Dalian and Deano.

[joe_c]

Anyone remember the goal he scored against us for Ipswich? I remember thinking then, what a player, we should get him.

Yes I do. I think we were 6-0 or 6-1 up at the time but a good strike, bent in off the bar from the edge of the area. Have been searching vain for it on YouTube.

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

I can only just echo what has been written here. Brilliant player on his day and part of a magical Villa team when I went home and away without fail. 
Thanks for the memories big man.

[flybo]

RIP Dalian Atkinson Holte Ender in the sky

[Deano's Mullet]

Another game that comes to mind is Inter Milan at home in 1994. He didn't score but he scared the shit out of that defence. It was in extra time I think it was he got the ball from a throw in and ran round about 5 defenders before he got tackled or lost the ball in front of the Holte. Always remember Alan Parry getting excited every time he got the ball.

[Steve67]

Very sad indeed. Great player on his day. I hope they pay due respects tomorrow night.

[Toronto Villa]

Has there been any comment from the likes of Big Ron or Deano? His teammates from that era have to be blown away by this.

[tomd2103]

Genuinely shocked and saddened by the news.  RIP Dalian and thanks for the memories mate.

[Damo70]

Has there been any comment from the likes of Big Ron or Deano? His teammates from that era have to be blown away by this.

I know BFR managed him at two different clubs and Deano always seemed genuinely fond of him in interviews.

[DeKuip]

Shocking, terrible news.
RIP Dalian, thanks for so many very happy memories.

[Hillbilly]

So desperately sad.

[tomd2103]

Anyone remember the goal he scored against us for Ipswich? I remember thinking then, what a player, we should get him.

Yes I do. I think we were 6-0 or 6-1 up at the time but a good strike, bent in off the bar from the edge of the area. Have been searching vain for it on YouTube.

Footage from that game was posted in the Villa Memories thread a while back.