Dalian Atkinson

[rougegorge]

It's all been said on here; so awfully sad.

Was there to see all the key moments: Selhurst Park, the late goals at Prenton Park and VP in the  semi-final and at Wembley; part of a really entertaining side and forever engraved in my memories.

[Axl Rose]

Dalian Atkinson was one of the reasons an interest in football and following Villa for me turned into a passion nay, an obsession.  On form, when he was flying at defences was all I wanted to do (as a "player") and watch as a fan.  I feel disingenuous to say Ill miss him, as I didn't really know him, and its been years since he was playing.  However I am really heartbroken that one of my heroes has passed on.  God was my favourite player in those days, but honestly it was Dalian I wanted to be 

A lovely tribute mate, and one I very much relate to

[TheTimVilla]

A great player and somebody I was lucky enough to meet a couple of times so can say he was also a very nice bloke. I think I need to chop some onions in a bit.

[croatian]

Shocking and sad news.
I hope there is an honest, open and thorough investigation into the death of a man by a supposed "non lethal" weapon.
Please, no more police cover ups.

[TheTimVilla]

It's all been said on here; so awfully sad.

Was there to see all the key moments: Selhurst Park, the late goals at Prenton Park and VP in the  semi-final and at Wembley; part of a really entertaining side and forever engraved in my memories.

He scored a couple of belters at Sheff Weds one year

[yammers]

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?

What an odd thing to say?! One could almost say inciting hatred.

[kippaxvilla2]

When I look back at some of the special moments he provided me in those three years, I can honestly say they were some of the best times I experienced as a Villa fan.  I was at Hillsborough for his first match and he, along with Regis and Yorke were absolutely sensational all afternoon.  That he scored was of course the highlight but for me, it was his great run and superb pass for Staunton's winner that showed his true class.  I remember before we signed him, he scored a brilliant consolation goal for Ipswich at Villa Park as well.

Simply a great, if not fully utilised talent and I feel a deep sense of shock and sadness at his passing today and honestly I don't usually go for celebrity grief culture as it were.

[Matt C]

What a rotten way to start the week. One of a small group of Villa players I watched in awe growing up and who gave me cause to believe.

[yammers]

It is saddening, when 1st favourite players, along with Deano, as a kid. So talented and made it look easy! RIP Dalian......

[Ad@m]

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.

Not sure what I enjoyed more - Stan's screamer or Deano firing the ball in to Townsend's face at point blank range in the build up!!!

[PeterWithesShin]

[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?

What an odd thing to say?! One could almost say inciting hatred.

I don't think it's an odd thing to say. Inciting hatred against whom?

This is something that many people are thinking from conversations I've had this afternoon. Maybe I shouldn't have said it on a tribute style thread but can't see it's an odd thought. And as the brother of a retired WM copper who did 30 years in the job I'm not naturally anti police.

[cheltenhamlion]

I am not really sure what to say. Whenever we have a pub debate on who was the best forward you have seen for Villa, Atkinson is always up there for me.

[West Derby Villan]

Sad sad news. I him remember him scoring the important goal against Man Utd at Wembley and of course the Wimbledon "goal of the season" RIP Dalian Atkinson

[dicedlam]

So sorry to hear this news. What fabulous player he was for us. RIP Dalian.