|
Dave Hickson
Former
Player Profile
Dave Hickson (born 30 October 1929 in Ellesmere Port) was a
football player for Everton, Aston Villa, Huddersfield Town,
Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers.
Hickson signed for Everton in 1948 from non-league Ellesmere Port
but he then had to serve in the Army for three years, were he
played in the Cheshire Army Cadets team. There he was coached by
'Dixie' Dean. He made his league debut for Everton in 1951. He
was a 'physical' centre forward and his complete commitment won
him adulation. Although he was good 'in the air', he was also
quite skillful on the ground and possessed a powerful shot.
Hickson's reputation was confirmed in an epic 5th round FA Cup
tie in 1953 against Manchester United when he had typically put
his head where there were flailing boots and he was carried off
with a serious gash.
Nevertheless he returned to
score the winner and played the rest of the match while losing
blood copiously. Hickson also scored the winner in the following
6th round tie.
Hickson scored 25 goals in the 1953-54 season and so made a major
contribution to Everton's promotion from Division Two.
Hickson left Everton in 1955 to join Aston Villa for £17,500.
Later he moved briefly to Huddersfield Town. In 1957 he came back
to Everton, though not as successfully. Even so there was much
sadness among Everton's fans when he joined Liverpool in 1959.
Later he played 45 games for Tranmere Rovers.
For Everton, Hickson made 243 appearances and scored 111 goals.
Today Hickson is a guide on the tours of Everton's ground,
Goodison Park.
