Dalian Atkinson

[DeKuip]

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.

Big Ron said: “This is an out-and-out tragedy.

“He was a really popular player with team-mates. He was a really generous lad – sometimes too generous for his own good – but a good lad.

“He always had a smile on his face and I really like that in a player.

“He also had terrific ability. I always knew I didn’t need to worry about him in big games.”

[glasses]

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.

God has tweeted that he's rather upset.

[Des Little]

Was that goal at Selhurst our best ever goal?  I'd say it probably is.

Talk on twitter of taking umbrellas in to VP (if allowed) tomorrow as a tribute...

[Percy McCarthy]

I waited with the angry mob of Wednesday fans for the Villa coach to arrive at Hillsborough for his and BFR's first game. Got talking to a particularly knowledgable Wednesdayite who told me how good he was. "So we've got a bargain then? I said.

He replied "He'd be a bargain at £15m".

On pure ability, he was the best of his generation. RIP Dalian, and thanks.

[lordmcgrath5]

That's so, so tragic. I absolutely loved Dalian, he gave us so much pleasure in a claret and blue shirt. RIP, Holte ender in the sky.

[pbavfckuwait]

Thinking of your family Dalian rest in peace and thank you for playing the game with a smile on your face, that smile brought many happy moments and memory's for many of us Villa supporters, in one of the most entertaining teams full stop, not just Villa teams. On your day they invented the word "unplayable". Holte Ender in the Sky.

[Bad English]

S*n now naming Dalian

https://www.thes*n.co.uk/news/1612938/man-dies-after-being-tasered-by-police-in-telford/

I don't wish to cause a fuss on this thread but surely there is never any need to link to that rag, is there?

[Hillbilly]

Whenever I picture Atktinson in my minds eye, he's hanging in the air in front of the Holte, for what seems like an eternity waiting for Daley's cross to reach him in that Tranmere semi final, then a half a second later it's in the net and the most amazing scenes of pandemonium and feelings of almost delirium.

That is my single favourite moment from years of standing on the Holte. Absolute ecstasy.

[Nunkin1965]

Such sad news. Thanks Dalian for some great memories. You and Deano lit up Villa for a spell. Special times. Condolences to his family and friends.

[Nev]

He scored two belters at Hillsborough one year, these sometimes get overlooked.

A genuine club great, from a golden age, with a medal to prove it.

"Daaaalian Atkinson, Dalian Atkinson"

RIP.

[Risso]

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.

Big Ron said: “This is an out-and-out tragedy.

“He was a really popular player with team-mates. He was a really generous lad – sometimes too generous for his own good – but a good lad.

“He always had a smile on his face and I really like that in a player.

“He also had terrific ability. I always knew I didn’t need to worry about him in big games.”

Adrian Chiles was just interviewing Ugo Ehiogu on R5L.  To be fair to Chiles, it was a very moving, and respectful piece.

[Bottom Right 89]

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

Completely stunned I loved this guy as I'm sure a lot of us did as part of Big Ron's dream machine. The fact this happened about a mile from my house just makes it worse, I will lay a scarf on behalf of the forum.

[garyshawsknee]

Always wanted us to sign him as a remember him as a youth at Ipswich. So much natural talent, which wasn't all fulfilled, but brought joy and happiness to VP. Seemed a funny guy too, huge loss.

[carl9368]

RIP Great memories

[VILLA MOLE]

He scored two belters at Hillsborough one year, these sometimes get overlooked.

A genuine club great, from a golden age, with a medal to prove it.

"Daaaalian Atkinson, Dalian Atkinson"

RIP.

i think that was the one where he told big ron he was playing midfield and enjoyed it .