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Bio:
Kerry Michael Dixon (born 24 July 1961) is an English retired professional footballer. His club career was spent most notably at Chelsea, where he won the Second Division twice. His 193 goals for the club across all competitions made him their third-highest goalscorer of all time.
He was the top goalscorer in his teams’ divisions for three consecutive seasons. In 1982–83, he led in division 3 with Reading. In 1983–84, he topped division 2. In 1984–85, he was the top scorer in division 1 with Chelsea. Dixon scored four goals in eight international appearances for the England national football team. He also represented the nation at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
Chelsea challenged for the title in the 1985–86 season. Dixon suffered torn stomach muscles during an FA Cup tie against Liverpool in January. This injury did much to damage their chances. They eventually finished sixth again, though he did score twice in a 2–1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The injury also took away much of Dixon’s pace and he was never quite the same player again.\[citation needed\]
Following Reading’s relegation, Dixon moved up to the Second Division to sign for Chelsea in August 1983. He was signed by manager John Neal.
Chelsea chairman Ken Bates initially hesitated when faced with the £150,000 transfer fee. An additional £25,000 would be required if Dixon ever played for the England national side. However, Bates relented and the deal went ahead.
Dixon arrived as part of Neal’s radical re-building of the side. They had narrowly avoided relegation to the Third Division three months earlier. Dixon was joined in the same summer by Pat Nevin, Nigel Spackman, Joe McLaughlin, and Eddie Niedzwiecki. Chelsea looked to push for promotion to the First Division, having been in the Second Division since 1979.
Dixon’s impact at Chelsea was immediate. He scored two goals on his debut against Derby County. He added 32 more through the season. The club romped to promotion as Second Division champions. They reached the First Division after a five-year absence.
Chelsea clinched promotion with a 5–0 win against Leeds United, in which Dixon scored a hat-trick. He formed an impressive partnership with fiery Scottish striker David Speedie. Despite initial personal problems between the two, they worked together well. He also linked up well with winger Nevin. Between them, the three players scored almost 200 goals over the next three years. Chelsea not only won promotion but also quickly re-established themselves as a First Division side.
His impact on the First Division the following season was equally impressive. He scored with a memorable volley in the opening match against Arsenal at Highbury. The game ended in a 1–1 draw. Dixon eventually finished as joint top scorer with 24 league goals. He shared this honor with Gary Lineker. Chelsea finished sixth in the final table. In the same season, he hit a further eight goals in the League Cup. Chelsea reached the semi-finals. They surprisingly lost to Sunderland. In his first two seasons at Chelsea he scored a total of 70 goals in just 101 games.
Factfile:
* Full Name: Kerry Michael Dixon
* Position: Forward
* Date of Birth: 24.07.1961
* Birthplace: Luton
* Nation: England
* Caps: 8
* Goals: 4
* Club Career: Chelsea
* Period: 1983-1992
* League Games, 335
* League Goals, 193
* Previous Club: Reading
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