The scorer of the first Premier League goal, the former Sheffield United and Leeds striker could be about to lose a record on Sunday
There are few players more loved across Yorkshire than Brian Deane. The 6ft 3in former Doncaster, Sheffield United and Leeds striker has an idea why. “Clubs recognise when they have somebody who not only has a lot of endeavour but has a level of skill,” he says. “So I don’t really have anywhere I’ve gone that I can’t go back. I think generally the fans are good with me everywhere. It’s just a case of mutual respect.”
Deane has a wider place in English football history, though – and one with particular resonance at this time of year. The 55-year-old is perhaps best remembered for scoring the Premier League’s first goal, for Sheffield United against Manchester United on 15 August 1992, but he also got its most recent Christmas Eve strike. The only Premier League fixture played on that date came in 1995 and Deane again haunted Alex Ferguson, capping a 3-1 Leeds win at a raucous Elland Road with a header from Tomas Brolin’s assist.
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