TOMMY DICKSONTommy Dickson, who died on 31 December, 2007, was a left-footed forward who played 660 games and scored 454 goals during 17 years with Linfield, one of Northern Ireland’s most successful football clubs.He was idolised by the Linfield supporters who nicknamed him ‘The Duke of Windsor’ after their Windsor Park ground. He captained the side during one of the most lucrative periods in their history and he also won a cap for his country against Scotland in 1956.The footballer was famed for his all-round attacking skill. Possessing great flair and agility, he could score with his head and feet with equal ease. He was also known for his guile and cheek which would frequently put him in referees’ bad books.Thomas Arneill Dickson was born in Belfast on 16 July, 1929. He signed for Linfield as a teenager after previously playing for Roosevelt Street Boys Club and Brantwood FC. He played for the club’s youth team, Linfield Swifts, and helped them win two trophies in the 1948/49 season.The following year he made the step up to the senior team and won the first of eight Irish League Championships, scoring 37 goals. His total medal haul included five Irish Cups, eight Gold Cups and three Ulster Cups among many others. Over the course of his career, his club frequently turned down offers from English clubs trying to secure his servicesIn the 1961/62 season, Linfield won a grand total of seven honours and Mr Dickson led the team as captain, scoring 42 times and being named Ulster Footballer of the Year.He made only a handful of appearances for Glentoran before retiring and retained the adoration of the Windsor Park faithful, accepting a lifetime membership at the club later that season.After hanging up his boots, he spent several years coaching and scouting for Linfield before running various small businesses (including a taxi firm and a chip shop). He spent his later years as a successful charity worker. His son Alan, who died in 1991 aged just 41, also played for Linfield.Linfield chairman Jim Kerr was among those who paid tribute to Mr Dickson: "Tommy was unquestionably the greatest Irish League player I’ve seen in my 50 years as a Linfield supporter. Tommy had everything – football skill and the ability to score goals. He could pass players as if they were not there."
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