A to Z: Dixie Dean - 'There was nobody better than him'

The fourth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Everton focuses on the letter D. Little surprise then that Dixie Dean accounts for a significant part of the episode. Dean was a prolific goalscorer during his time at Goodison Park between 1925 and 1937, notching up 349 goals in 399 league appearances. BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy said: "Well, not many people are around that saw him play, but that stat, you have got to say that is mind-boggling. The goals per game ratio, with every club he played for, including England, is incredible." Since Erling Haaland's arrival in the Premier League, the Norwegian striker has set new goalscoring records, yet he is still to break Dean's record of 60 goals in a top-flight season. "People talk about Haaland these days, but I don't think anybody will get anywhere near that [record]," added Kennedy. Instead of the largely perfect Premier League pitches, Dean had to set the standard on boggy and muddy surfaces which was the norm at the time. But, does that mean it was harder to reach the impressive tally of 60 goals for Dean? BBC Radio Merseyside's Carl Woodward, said: "I think it must have been hard as you have to kick a ball harder and also how muddy it was. It must have taken a toll on the body. It was hard in a different way." Records come and go, but this record could be one which will stand tall for another 98 years. "You can only be the best of your time and clearly, as a goalscorer, there was nobody better than him," added Kennedy. Listen to the episode above or on BBC Sounds here