Dalian Atkinson

[brontebilly]

An infuriating talent, a more explosive version of John Carew from what I remember. Unplayable on his day, RIP

[VillaSpen]

Really gutted to hear this. He was a big part of the side at a time when you just felt anything could be possible for the Villa. Unstoppable at his best. I met him a couple of times in the players lounge around 2004/5. Amongst the former players that were present you could tell he was immensely popular.

Speaking of the Muller/Asics shirt, a few years ago I managed to get hold of one of the Gore Tex jackets that the players wore before games. It was exactly the same design as the shirt. The auction description on ebay said it had been Dalian's but couldn't say from which game or games. I have serious doubts that it was ever in his possession but I still wear it on windy/cold evenings for training or 5 a side and it's certainly big enough to have fitted him back then. Each time I put it on I think about those days and it puts a smile on my face. Only this weekend I watched the full 120 minutes plus the shootout against Tranmere again and Dalian was really in the mood for it that day. When he scored that late goal I must have been shunted a good 20-30 feet down the Holte in the celebrations. 

What a terrible way to lose him. RIP Dalian.

[Damo70]

I believe there is a phrase 'come the moment, come the man'. Dalian was the man in both semi finals and the final.

[Matt Collins]

I'm surprised deano's not made a public statement yet.

Deano and Dalian. Happy days.

[Steve kirk]

Feeling very sad, extremely talented and for a couple of seasons he was the real deal alongside Deano
RIP Dalian

[D.boy]

Thanks for some fantastic memories Dalian.

[Oscar Arce]

So sad. A talented, funny guy.
RIP D.

[St AustellAVFC]

I remember as a 10 year old going into the changing room before a league game as I was invited by Deano. I was totally shitting my pants as I was just whisked away from my mom and marched down there. As I went in I just stood staring at all the players, Dalian walked over and high fives me and started chatting. I told him why I was there ( I had done a school project about Dean Saunders). Dalian sat with Deano and I and looked all through it. The league cup goals will always live with me. I spent time yesterday showing my daughters some of his goals, which the loved. RIP Dalian.

[Bottom Right 89]

Dug out my muller classic for tonight, in 94 this lad gave us one of the best minutes goal celebration of our Villa lives at Wembley only right that we return the favour in the 10th minute this evening.

[Boz]

Lad?

Sorry, is it lass? My apologies.

Dalian was a great character and gave us great memories. I hope the investigation is conducted with honesty and justice in mind.

I agree wholeheartedly, Its the way the incident is reported that worries me slightly, that's all.

I don't even want to speculate because I know bugger-all and I doubt we'll be getting a full and frank run-down of events from the boys in blue.

Lady eye witness on BBC didn't paint a good picture of police actions, kicking him after tasering when he was on the ground.

Police need to be very open about this. I thought use of a taser was if officers/public were being seriously threatened,

[Hookeysmith]

News reports coming out saying he was in a "manic" state and had threatened to kill his own father - this is reported by his own brother and also claims that he had already killed some of his family

tragic

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/taser-death-footballer-dalian-atkinson-threatened-to-kill-his-father/ar-BBvFGUP

[bugdozer]

What an ace player he was - able to make goals from nothing, especially when they were needed.

I seem to remember him scoring in the same week that he'd got a driving ban and back then, the scoreboard had this default message which it displayed after the goalscorer's name.

So when it showed "Dalian Atkinson drives Montego", there was a massive cheer from the Holte End, together with shouts of "Oh no he doesn't!"

RIP Dalian

[LukeJames]

My dads clam to fame is standing next to the brolly man at Wimbledon. I've heard that story too many times.

[Virgil Caine]

OS have confirmed that there will be a tribute tonight by means of a minutes applause on the 10th minute (Dalians shirt number) and some pre chosen fans will be opening umbrellas around the ground to reflect that iconic moment at Wimbledon. The OS does state that fans should not try to enter the ground with personal umbrellas as these will be confiscated because of H&S regs.

It sounds as though the last few hours of his life were particularly troubled and this saddens me the most. I do wonder if Tasers are the right method of calming for people who are obviously having a mental health episode. RIP now and thank you for making the game of football exciting and entertaining.

[Villa in Denmark]

He was a genuine "played with a smile on his face" player, someone who looked like he was enjoying it.

He might have been inconsistent and at times infuriating, but when he was on song, it was like playing with 12 men.