Heartbreak as footballer dies aged 84 with tributes pouring in to ‘club legend’ who was ‘respected by so many’
MOVING tributes have poured in for an “club legend” after the former footballer died aged 84.
Tony Bentley made 419 appearances for Southend over ten seasons and the fan-favourite even had two testimonials held in his honour.
Bentley converted from a right winger to right back with the Blues, who he joined in 1961.
He won the club’s inaugural player of the year award for the 1965/66 season.
A post on the Ex Southend United Players Association confirmed his passing last night.
It read: “So very sad to learn today that Tony Bentley has passed away.
“He would have been 85 years old in two days time.
“Tony is without doubt one of the club greats and a club legend.
“Tony was such a lovely guy, respected by so many and well deserving of the two testimonials granted to him by our club, both v Stoke City.
“We last saw him at Roots Hall in 2018 when he was one of our very first SUEPA match day guests – he often used to visit the UK and take in a match, and on his last visit received a rapturous round of applause as he was introduced to the crowd.
“A very early SUEPA memory is seeing the many folk come down the East Stand steps to shake his hand as he made his way to his seat.
“Five years ago for his 80th birthday we sent to his home in Nova Scotia a club pennant to mark the occasion which he celebrated with his family in a local hostelry.
“Tony, you are a club legend. Forever a Shrimper, RIP.”
Tony made his football league debut for Stoke City in the 1958/59 season and played as a forward.
He netted 15 times in 44 matches before making the trip to Roots Hall in May 1961.
Manager Ted Fenton gave Tony his Southend debut at the start of the 1961/62 season in a 2-1 home win v Bradford Park Avenue and during the season Tony ended up in the more defensive role that he became known for.
He was ever present in the 1965/66 season, a feat he achieved three times.
Tony went on to make 419 appearances for Southend over ten seasons scoring 17 times
After his time at Southend he played non-League football with Folkestone Town and Ashford Town (Kent).
He made 34 league appearances during season 1974–75, before emigrating to Canada.