Dalian Atkinson

[curiousorange]

I've just watched the Goal of the Season again about ten times. That pause as he decides exactly how he's going to chip the keeper...it gets me every time. But it's made me get quite emotional too. I can't believe it.

RIP Dalian. Thanks so much for the memories.

[castlefields_villan]

I just can't put it into words. For the first time ever I'm speechless.

I'm with Dave on this, completely speechless, sitting in the sun here in Tywyn, being a bit sad about having to go home in a couple of days as back at work a week today, I heard on the 11am news on Smooth Radio about "an incident" but obviously just thought we'd learn about it later and 5 minutes later log on here to see that a topic about Dalian had been started.  I wondered if he'd got a new position or something else with us, but I read this very sad news. 

First saw him play against us for Ipswich in the League Cup (I think) in 1988 as a 20 year old, was delighted when we signed him and as I'm sure amongst others the goals against Man Utd in the LCF and Tranmere in the SF and Wimbledon will be living in the memories of us all.  As previously mentioned, a good player who should've been a great.

[BC54 VFC]

RIP, Dalian; shocked and saddened to hear this news in my adopted County.

[Witton Warrior]

Terrible news for anyone involved - what family does he have?

Will always be quite rightly remembered for "that" goal although I loved his one against Manure in the Final which told me we were going to win...

Thanks Dalian

[Toronto Villa]

How incredibly dreadful is this? For an entire generation of us he provided such great memories and arguably the best goal in the history of our club. An enigma as a player on his day simply outstanding. What a terrible, terrible day. RIP big D.

[Nelly]

[Five Villa Tattoos]

RIP big Dalian. Was there for "that" goal at Selhurst park and the 94 cup final. Thanks for the memories and God bless.

[glasses]

I'm genuinely very upset by this.

That goal. Just that goal.

Not just that one.

The one at Wembley, the ones against Tranmere.

At the tender age of 8 or nine 9 old, the first time I had a number put on the back of my shirt it was his.

[IAmTheOneIanOlney]

Absolutely awful news. I was a teenager when he was playing for us and absolutely loved him as an skilful, fast, exciting, unpredictable player. Even when he didn't reach the standards we knew he could, he had that bit of mischief and cheekiness about him that made you forgive him.

[Deano's Mullet]

   1993-94 goals

1992-93 goals

[Brend'Watkins]

Awful, awful news.  One of my all time favourite ever Villa players.  RIP Dalian.

[kieron]

Unbelievable.

[dave.woodhall]

I'm genuinely very upset by this.

That goal. Just that goal.

Not just that one.

The one at Wembley, the ones against Tranmere.

At the tender age of 8 or nine 9 old, the first time I had a number put on the back of my shirt it was his.

The one against Sheffield United, the opening day at Hillsborough. Did he ever score a tap-in?

[Legion]

Speechless.

[Nelly]