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Obituary: Alex Dawson

Former Albion centre-forward dies aged 80

By Luke Nicoli • 17 July 2020

By Evening Argus
Former Albion forward Alex Dawson has died at the age of 80.

We are saddened to report the passing of former Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Alex Dawson, aged 80.

The Scot graduated through the youth ranks at Manchester United, scoring on his First Division debut against Burnley in April 1957.

Alex established himself in Matt Busby’s side following the 1958 Munich Air Disaster and went on to net 45 league goals in 80 games before joining Preston North End in 1961.

His prolific form continued at Deepdale, where he plundered 114 goals from 197 league appearances, prior to a further north-west switch to Bury in March 1967.

With 21 goals to his name for the Shakers, Dawson headed south to Hove in December 1968 where he became Freddie Goodwin’s first signing as manager.

Costing around £9,000, the experienced 28-year-old was drafted straight into Albion’s relegation-threatened Third Division side and he didn’t let his former United team-mate down, netting 17 goals in 23 matches to lift the club into the top half of the table.

A big, bustling forward, he became a huge hit amongst the Goldstone faithful and remained a regular in the side until losing his place under Pat Saward.

Loaned to Brentford in September 1970, he scored six goals in ten outings but returned to Hove to see out the remainder of the season. He made just two further appearances before leaving for Southern League Corby Town, having scored an impressive 29 goals in 65 appearances for the Albion.

We pass on our condolences to Alex’s family and friends at this sad time.