Kerry Dixon born July 24, 1961
Luton-born centre-forward Kerry first made his name at Reading. While there, he scored four goals against Rovers at Belle Vue in September 1982, only to finish on the losing side in a game that Rovers won 7-5.
The following season he signed for Chelsea and in nine seasons there he scored 155 senior goals. He also won eight full England caps, scoring four times.
Following spells with Southampton, Luton Town, Millwall and Watford, in August 1996 he was appointed Rovers’ player-manager in sensational circumstances.
Previous boss Sammy Chung was dismissed when he arrived to manage the team’s opening League game of the season against Carlisle United. Kerry made his playing debut a few days later in a League Cup tie against York City, but he was hampered by injuries.
Helped by an experienced core of players, he steered Rovers away from relegation, despite frequent interference from the club’s de-facto owner Ken Richardson.
After a disastrous start to the following season, Kerry resigned as manager in August 1997. He did not take on another managerial role but did some coaching in non-League football. Kerry’s playing record was 20 appearances and three goals.
