VALE: Dez Marton

Football NSW was saddened to hear the news of the passing of one of the most prolific strikers ever to grace the football pitches in Australia, ‘Goal King’, Dez Marton.

Dez joined St George Budapest in 1981 and was a member of the side which claimed the National Soccer League (NSL) Championship in 1983 during the golden era of the NSL.

Dez spent five seasons with the club between 1981 and 1985, scoring over 100 goals, before finishing his playing career with Wollongong Wolves.

Dez coached the Saints in the early 1990s as his association with the club continued. This saw him coach at both junior and senior levels which included the old Yugal Prague, Manly Warringah, Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Parramatta Melita.

He also took charge of former Football NSW Futsal Super League side Botany Bay Pirates.

After retiring from the game, the goal machine still played his beloved sport which saw him play in the local Football St George Association with Dolls Point FC.

Dez was regularly seen at Saints’ games up until a few weeks ago.

Football NSW sends its deepest condolences to the Marton family, those closest to Dez and everyone he impacted through the sport over the years.