Dixie Hale

Richard "Dixie" Hale (29 May 1935 – 12 May 2021) was an Irish footballer and manager who played for several clubs in both the League of Ireland and the English League, most notably Waterford, Shamrock Rovers, Swansea Town and Watford. As an international, he also played for the League of Ireland XI.

Dixie Hale
Personal information
Full name Richard Hale
Date of birth (1935-05-29)29 May 1935
Place of birth Waterford, Republic of Ireland
Date of death 12 May 2021(2021-05-12) (aged 85)
Place of death Swansea, Wales
Position(s) Central midfield
Youth career
St. Joseph's Juniors
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1951–1952 Waterford
1952–1953 Shamrock Rovers
1953–1959 Waterford
1959–1961 Swansea Town 34 (3)
1961–1964 Barrow 118 (16)
1964–1967 Workington 131 (10)
1967–1971 Watford 113 (10)
International career
League of Ireland XI
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

Born in Waterford City, Hale started his footballing career when he joined his three brothers, Alfie, George, and Harry, at St Joseph's where he had a successful underage career, winning two cup finals on the same day at under-15 and senior level in 1950. Hale had just turned 16 when he joined Waterford F.C., and a year later he became the first professional player signed by Shamrock Rovers. His time in Dublin didn't last long and he moved back to play in Waterford, before leaving for Swansea Town in September 1959.[1] He played there for two years before subsequently joining Barrow and Workington.[2] Hale signed for Watford in 1968 and won the Third Division title that season. After retiring professionally at 35, he went into management in the Welsh League.

Death

Hale died in Swansea on 12 May 2021.[3]

Honours

Watford

References
  1. "Swansea City saddened by passing of Dixie Hale". Swansea City website. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  2. "Obituary: Dixie Hale (1935-2021)". Workington AFC website. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  3. Ryan, Seán (6 June 2021). "Obituary of Richard 'Dixie' Hale: Top Irish soccer player who was the best player never to be capped for his country". Irish Independent. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
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