Ken Dean (rugby league)

Ken Dean
Personal information
Full nameKenneth Dean
Born24 February 1927
Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died20 September 2017(2017-09-20) (aged 90)
Playing information
PositionStand-off
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1948–60 Halifax 393 89 66 0 399
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1950–56 Yorkshire 11 3 0 0 9
1951–52 England 2 0 2 0 4
Source: [1][2]

Kenneth Dean (24 February 1927 – 20 September 2017[3]) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. He played at representative level for England and Yorkshire, and at club level for Halifax, as a stand-off.[1]

Background

Dean was born in Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.

Playing career

Dean made his début for Halifax on Saturday 6 November 1948, and played his last match for Halifax on Saturday 5 March 1960.

Dean played in Halifax's victories in the Yorkshire League during the 1952–53 season, 1953–54 season, 1955–56 season and 1957–58 season.[4]

Dean played stand-off in Halifax's 4-4 draw with Warrington in the 1953–54 Challenge Cup Final during the 1953–54 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 24 April 1954, in front of a crowd of 81,841, played stand-off in the 4-8 defeat by Warrington in the 1953–54 Challenge Cup Final replay during the 1953–54 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Wednesday 5 May 1954, in front of a record crowd of 102,575 or more,[5] and played stand-off in the 2-13 defeat by St. Helens in the 1955–56 Challenge Cup Final during the 1955–56 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 28 April 1956, in front of a crowd of 79,341,

Dean played stand-off in Halifax's 22-14 victory over Hull F.C. in the 1954–55 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1954–55 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 23 October 1954, in front of a crowd of 25,949, played stand-off in the 10-10 draw with Hull F.C. in the 1955–56 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1955–56 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 22 October 1955, in front of a crowd of 23,520, and played stand-off in the 7-0 victory over Hull F.C. in the 1955–56 Yorkshire Cup Final replay during the 1955–56 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Wednesday 2 November 1955, in front of a crowd of 14,000.[4]

Dean's Testimonial match at Halifax took place in 1958.

Representative honours

Dean won caps for England while at Halifax in 1951 against Other Nationalities, and in 1952 against Other Nationalities.

Dean won caps for Yorkshire while at Halifax.

Honoured at Halifax

Dean is a Halifax Hall Of Fame Inductee.[6]

Personal life

Dean was married to Winifred (née Hopkinson). They had two children; David, and Janet.[3]

Death

Dean died on 20 September 2017, aged 90. His funeral and cremation took place on 5 October 2017 at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org". rugbyleagueproject.org. 31 December 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  2. ^ "Player Summary: Ken Dean". Rugby League Records. Rugby League Record Keepers Club. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Ken Dean Obituary". johnstonpress.co.uk. 29 September 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Obituary - Ken Dean". halifaxrlfc.co.uk. 23 September 2017. Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  5. ^ "Mud, blood and memories of the day when 102,575 made history at Odsal". independent.co.uk. 31 December 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Halifax RLFC Hall of Fame". halifaxrlfc.co.uk. 31 December 2011. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2012.