Dalian Atkinson

[Morleys left boot]

just can not believe it
never forget you, you gave us some great moments
absolutely gutted
RIP Dalian

[rob_bridge]

Remember these 2 v QPR. He was on fire that day and first goal was him switched on and 2nd one brilliant.

[wittonwarrior]

Tragic.  All you read about nowadays are high profile ex sportsmen a great many of them ex footballers who are not coping with the after life.  Someone somewhere needs to step in

[myf]

Very sad. Was 15 in 92-93 and had just started to go to matches with mates rather than parents. A big hero and golden memories watching him and Deano in the Holte...

[simon ward 50]

Sad news indeed. RIP Dalian

[preston28]

Terrible news.

RIP big man. Fondly remembered.

[UK Redsox]

Remember these 2 v QPR. He was on fire that day and first goal was him switched on and 2nd one brilliant.

The turn of pace for the first goal is incredible

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

I imagine this has already been put up on this thread but the Tranmere game at Villa Park. From 4'45" for the Dalian goal. I love seeing the crowd after this goal goes in, it was mental that night.

[Jimbo]

Remember these 2 v QPR. He was on fire that day and first goal was him switched on and 2nd one brilliant.

All the goals in that game were a bit special.

[Holtemeister]

RIP Dalian Atkinson and thanks for the memories,

One of the strongest memories of the Villa for me involved Dalian, Wimbledon and a man with a Brolly

Ask any villa fan about the man with the brolly and they will know instantly what you are talking about.

One of the iconic images in Villa’s history along with the Duty free pictures returning from Rotterdam

Thoughts with those who knew Dalian better than I 

[eamonn]

I remember having an argument with a United-supporting school-mate in 1993 over who was quicker, Dalian or Giggs (ironically, we had this argument in a school-yard where we weren't allowed to run. Insurance I guess).
I got the '94 shirt for Christmas with his number ''10'' on the back and despite not having access to much TV footage of that Villa vintage, watching him in a family friends' house full of Yanited fans getting the ball rolling in the Coca Cola Cup Final was a marvellous feeling.
Every fucker, young and old, was coming out of the woodwork as a ManUre fan back then, and having Dalian in our armoury to fight them with was so important to me as a kid when tribalism and sensitivity over football results almost defined life at times.

[martin o`who??]

Most things already been said.
If Dalian had had the same attitude and application as he did natural ability he could have been one of the greatest players of all time - and not just for us.
Pace, power, skill, guile, two footed, instinct - he really did have it all

I remember him saying after the Tranmere game that he could not remember the score when he scored!

I am sure like others a true hero at a time when we were a club on the cusp of greatness

Thanks for everything Dalian - you will not be forgotten

Agree, i remember some Villa fans singing "What a waste of Talent" to him towards the end - but considering he "wasted" that talent - by God he left a mark!!.....

[Stu]

No words.

[PaulWinch again]

Awful news.

[glasses]

I remember having an argument with a United-supporting school-mate in 1993 over who was quicker, Dalian or Giggs (ironically, we had this argument in a school-yard where we weren't allowed to run. Insurance I guess).
I got the '94 shirt for Christmas with his number ''10'' on the back and despite not having access to much TV footage of that Villa vintage, watching him in a family friends' house full of Yanited fans getting the ball rolling in the Coca Cola Cup Final was a marvellous feeling.
Every fucker, young and old, was coming out of the woodwork as a ManUre fan back then, and having Dalian in our armoury to fight them with was so important to me as a kid when tribalism and sensitivity over football results almost defined life at times.

You could be describing my childhood there, fella!