Ray Deakin

Raymond John Deakin (19 June 1959 – 24 December 2008) was an English footballer whose playing position was left-back. He had a 14-year career in the Football League with Everton, Port Vale, Bolton Wanderers, and Burnley. He captained Burnley at Wembley in the 1988 Football League Trophy final.

Career Born in Liverpool, Deakin began his career at Everton, where he signed his first professional contract under Gordon Lee in 1977. However, he never made any appearances for the "Toffees" first-team, and was released from Goodison Park in 1981. He was initially a regular in the "Valiants" team, but lost his place in October 1981 and struggled to break back into first-team contention thereafter. He claimed seven goals (including five penalties) in 27 Fourth Division and FA Cup appearances, having scored his first goal in the Football League on 5 September 1981, in a 1–1 draw with Darlington at Feethams. He forced his way back into new manager Frank Casper's first-team with 35 appearances in the 1989–90 campaign.

Career statistics

Honours Burnley Football League Trophy runner-up: 1988