“Deano will be sadly missed by all Halifax fans” - Supporters team planning special tribute in honour of former Town striker James Dean

Supporters team AFC Halifax Town are hoping to unveil a special flag in tribute to former Shaymen striker James Dean for the final game of the season against Chesterfield.
James DeanJames Dean
James Dean

Tributes have been flooding in for the forward, whose death was announced at the weekend.

And the supporters club is planing their own tribute to the 35-year-old, who spent three seasons at The Shay, scoring 70 goals in 128 appearances.

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John Barker, from the supporters team, said: “When the old club folded in 2008 it was an empty feeling we all had on an AFC Halifax weekend away. The new club was formed and hope and optimism was around, despite the valiant efforts of Jim Vince the team fell just short of the play offs at the first time of asking.

“The summer brought about a change in manager and a turnaround of players. Neil Apsin arrived from Harrogate and brought with him a centre forward with a shaved head who came with a reputation on the terraces.

“That centre forward, James Dean was in my opinion the very first legend of FC Halifax Town, a word often over used, but not in this case. That reputation was unfounded as he led the line at his new club with passion, strength, desire and loads of ability, as many have said a defenders nightmare, a player you would much rather play with than against.

“The name “Deano, Deano, Deano” could be heard all over the non league football grounds of the North of England as he quickly claimed his cult status with the Town faithful, young and old alike. Anyone who watched the club make the progression through those leagues know how much of an impact Deano had on the team, but what some don’t know is how much time he had for the fans who idolised him.

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“I can remember on an AFC Halifax Christmas night out we bumped into the Town squad and Deano didn’t need a second invitation to join us in our traditional drinking game. This memory will stay with the AFC Halifax lads for a very long time.

“Stories of Deano have been remembered on our WhatsApp group over the last few days and one more is when a couple of the lads were on holiday in Tenerife they were sat in their Town shirts having a beer and along came Deano and sat with them and enjoyed the sun with them.

“Deano will be sadly missed by all Halifax fans and certainly was one of a kind.

“The idea of a flag was mentioned on our chat group and I decided to approach the wider fan base and hopefully the flag will be unveiled on May 29 for the Chesterfield game at The Shay when fans will be back in the stadium and it will be on the terrace for every single FC Halifax Town game from then on.

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“Our thoughts at this very difficult time are obviously with James family and friends, I just hope knowing how well thought of he is will help them in this time of great sadness.”

If you would like to donate towards the cost of the flag you can donate via PayPal at [email protected] or email for bank details if you would rather pay that way.