[Albion] Alex Dawson is 80 today

[Nottseagull]

It was with some trepidation that I checked with Wiki that the big man was still with us, although I was surprised to discover he was only 5' 10". He's living in Northamptonshire AFAIK (his last club was Corby Town). Another fact new to me was that he scored two hat-tricks within a week for Manchester United, for whom he was a Busby Babe and fortunate not to be selected for the trip to Belgrade in 1958. His 18th birthday was marred by the death of team mate Duncan Edwards, 62 years ago today.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

I always thought he was brought in from Preston by United after Munich. Happy Birthday Alex. Ooh Ooh.

 

[Foul Play Rocks]

A bit before my time but happy birthday nonetheless.

 

[mune ni kamome]

My salad days. Happy memories of Alex

 

[The Antikythera Mechanism]

Could head the ball harder than most players could kick it.

 

[Perfidious Albion]

One hell of a player... lethal in the air.
Happy birthday Alex.

 

[Lifelong Supporter]

Yes happy birthday Alex. One of my schoolboy heroes. From what I recall he had one really great season when playing for us and scored with a superb flying header v Crewe. I am not sure he would have suited VAR.

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

Yes happy birthday Alex. One of my schoolboy heroes. From what I recall he had one really great season when playing for us and scored with a superb flying header v Crewe. I am not sure he would have suited VAR.

Does it matter if the goalkeeper is still holding the ball when it hires the back of the net?

One of my schoolboy heroes too.

 

[BLOCK F]

I remember seeing him at the Goldstone.
Only 5ft 10in. but built like a tank, a real old fashioned centre-forward.
Happy 80th birthday,Alex. I must say, I thought he was a bit older than that.

 

[dejavuatbtn]

Spoilt for proper centre forwards in the 60s. Him and, prior to that, Bobby Smith. Back in the days when you only got to see these players in newspapers, books and magazines, who were the stuff of legend. Having them at the Goldstone was just fantastic.
Dawson helped keep United afloat after Munich.

 

[Binney on acid]

I thought he was older than 80 when I saw him play.

 

[el punal]

I always thought he was brought in from Preston by United after Munich. Happy Birthday Alex. Ooh Ooh.

No, he was definitely on United’s books prior to the Munich air crash. I believe he was selected to go to Belgrade (the game against Red Star) as cover for Tommy Taylor, who was recovering from injury. At the last moment Alex was told that he should remain in Manchester and not travel with the team.

P.S. Alex was transferred to Preston in 1961 and played for them in the 1964 cup final.

 

[dejavuatbtn]

P.S. Alex was transferred to Preston in 1961 and played for them in the 1964 cup final.

Along with Nobby Lawton. Hadn’t realised that Kit Napier was with them at the time, although he didn’t play in the final.

 

[Worried Man Blues]

Alex Dawson, happy birthday, some great memories, cracking goals, thanks

 

[Gwylan]

The Black Prince! What a player he was, he was passed his peak when he signed for us but was still mightily effective.

There's someone that the club should get down as a guest. It would be good to see him as half-time interviewee

 

[WATFORD zero]

My first Albion hero, a proper centre forward. And absolutely terrifying when as a 7 year old sitting on the wall, he was running towards the north stand goal

I remember asking about a particular photo of him on here some years ago. Can't put the photo on this thread but it's here https://nortr3nixy.nimpr.uk/showthread.php?280768-The-Picture-of-Alex-Dawson-standing-one-arm-raised-having-just-scored&p=5759188&viewfull=1#post5759188

Happy Birthday

Years Team Apps (Gls)
1957–1961 Manchester United 80 (45)
1961–1967 Preston North End 197 (114)
1967–1968 Bury 50 (21)
1968–1971 Brighton & Hove Albion 57 (26)

Some very impressive stats - could do a job ?

 

[Seagull over Canaryland]

I don't know how many games they played together - but presume that Alex Dawson formed a pretty useful combination with Kit Napier?

The 'old school' hard man, in Dawson - together with the flair of Napier. Not too shabby!

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

No, he was definitely on United’s books prior to the Munich air crash. I believe he was selected to go to Belgrade (the game against Red Star) as cover for Tommy Taylor, who was recovering from injury. At the last moment Alex was told that he should remain in Manchester and not travel with the team.

P.S. Alex was transferred to Preston in 1961 and played for them in the 1964 cup final.

Cheers.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

One memory (unreliable) is that the keeper had the ball in his arms and Alex still launched himself at the ball. (and keeper). You wouldn't want to be a keeper diving at his feet.

 

[Boroseagull]

Happy birthday Alex, and hopefully many more. Ah.. the days of old fashioned centre forwards has disappeared but he Albion had some fine ones in the 50/60's. Not just Alex, but Bobby Smith and the first one I saw as a 6 year old - Bert Adinall. Now Bert took keeper, ball and any defender in his way into the net. And I wanted, and became a goalkeeper, must have been mad!