Dalian Atkinson

[Somniloquism]

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...

Wednesday's Meaning Evil headlines.

"Aston Villa's new owners show no respect for ex player by confiscating umbrellas".

I agree with Tone X. A good dedication and showing of all his Villa highlights followed by a minutes applause before and maybe the fans doing it again 10 mins in a la Petrov, and finally a win.

[not3bad]

From the looks of things the police have a few questions to answer on this. Was Dalian's manner threatening as he approached them? Did they taser him after he fell to the ground? If so why?

[wozwebs]

Awful, awful news. I seem to recall a few years ago hearing rumours he had got into bad habits but obviously no idea if related to the incident in any way or indeed true.

One of the happiest days of my life was Wembley 94 and if it wasn't for his two last minute goals vs Tranmere it would never have happened so i'll always have a soft spot for him.

Think the retro laces shirt needs to be purchased now as I always associate him with that after the Wimbledon goal. I was at Ipswich 24 years to the day also when he scored our first ever Premier League goal.

I love this that I saw earlier.

[kieron]

Lovely image, thanks for sharing.

[KevinGage]

Shocking news.

I recall somebody comparing him, when on form and up for it, to the Brazilian Ronaldo. He was so powerful, talented and I'm struggling to think of a player, not just a Villa player, that could hit a ball with so much power. On his day he was brilliant.

Really, really sad news. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

 Ronaldo was explosive, but I don't recall him putting to many away with the outside of his boot and making it all look as effortless as Dalian could.

Problem with him was sometimes he was entirely effortless.

Within a month of joining, Dean Saunders said "I'm quite good, but Dalian is good enough to play for AC Milan. He has the lot."

[four fornicholl]

RIP Dalian. Thanks for the memories. My abiding memory is also the 94 cup final at Wembley. I was in a neutral section of the ground and after Dalians strike I was subjected to loads of abuse by some Utd fans sat behind me for the rest of the game.
At full time however one mean looking fkr confronted me,shook my hand, gave me his programme and congratulated me on "that no 10 of yours!"

[Karlos96]

I am genuinely gutted by this, couldn't believe it when my sister text me earlier. Dalian was one of my favourite players in one of my favourite Villa sides, he had it all power, pace, both feet, headers, all types of goals he was just wonderful to watch. He never made the most of what he had but on his day he was up there with the very best. The game at Villa Park against Tranmere is still my favourite game and that goal and the celebrations on the Holte End that followed will live with me forever.

Thanks for all the wonderful memories RIP Dalian.

[danno]

Desperately sad news. As a young football fan, there arent many things more heroic than a footballer with the ability to ghost past defenders and score world class goals - he could do both and seemed to do it effortlessly. At that age, you dont really notice season long form or the fact that he may have been invisible for 80 minutes of the match, Just the moment of magic that sent you home happy on a saturday evening. RIP

Really well said.
I think when you get older you appreciate the quality of a midfielder like Xavi or the defending of players like Maldini.
But as a young fan first watching the sport Dalian is one of those players that makes you fall in love with the game.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Awful news from the man who helped create one of the best days of my Villa supporting life. Rest in peace big man

[malckennedy]

From the looks of things the police have a few questions to answer on this. Was Dalian's manner threatening as he approached them? Did they taser him after he fell to the ground? If so why?

Yes. Just a thought, but a legitimate one, would he have been tasered if he'd been a white bloke?

[dave shelley]

From a report I've seen, apparently he was Tasered multiple times.  A neighbour has said she witnessed it.  Time will tell.  I'm still gutted by all this, such an unnecessary waste.

[wozwebs]

One report said he had problems with his heart and kidney's and was in hospital recently for 2 months.

[eric woolban woolban]

On his day what a player, up there amongst the best I've seen at Villa.
RIP Dalian. Thoughts to all your family.

[bruisedshins]

Absolutely shocking news. I watched the 92/93 season review on tape to the point of wearing it out in parts and he scored some great goals then before his injury. It's been nice to watch some of the goals he scored at his other clubs today, most notably against Barcelona and his hat-trick against Galatasaray. Really sad loss and an injustice that he's been killed at such a young age.

[Axl Rose]

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

My first ever live game. Cracking match too.

My first live match, also. Great days.