FOOTBALL hero Dennis Hatsell died in Basildon on January 1, 1998.

Yorkshire man by birth, but brought up in Preston, Dennis Hatsell was often seen between the posts as a youngster at Middleforth School in Penwortham.

But it was as a goalscoring forward that he was to make his mark in professional football.

Both Dennis and his brother Roy were amateurs at the North End club back in the late 40s and Dennis was also an apprentice pattern-maker at a local firm.

After a few promising seasons in the in the PNE reserve side Dennis was given his league debut in September 1953 at Old Trafford against Manchester United.

Although failing to score, 23-year-old Dennis got off to a tremendous start to his professional career, scoring six goals in six games.

Just before the 1954 FA Cup final Charlie Wayman was rested for an away game at Tottenham. Dennis took his place and duly obliged with a hat-trick in a 6-2 win.

He went on to score 54 league goals for the club in 115 games, all in the first division.

Dennis went non-league with Chelmsford after his Preston days and supplemented his football with his trade at the Ford Motor Company.

He may not have always been the first name on the teamsheet but his record speaks for itself.

Dennis Hatsell (1930-1998) will surely be missed by friends, fans and family alike.

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