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R.I.P Tony Bentley

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Dacx

Newbie
In 2019, I reached out to this forum, looking for contact info for SUFC to get something from the club to celebrate Tony’s 80th birthday. Tony will be 85 on Dec 20th. I told the person in this forum, that I would inform members re Tony. I drove to Nova Scotia to see Tony. Not good news. Tony is in hospice. Staying with Tony’s brother inlaw for the weekend. He thinks Tony may not see his 85th. Any changes, as promised, I will post.
 
Dacx said:
In 2019, I reached out to this forum, looking for contact info for SUFC to get something from the club to celebrate Tony’s 80th birthday. Tony will be 85 on Dec 20th. I told the person in this forum, that I would inform members re Tony. I drove to Nova Scotia to see Tony. Not good news. Tony is in hospice. Staying with Tony’s brother inlaw for the weekend. He thinks Tony may not see his 85th. Any changes, as promised, I will post.
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It is with heavy heart, I announce the passing of my friend and yours, Tony Bentley. So while listening to one of Tony’s favorite songs, Danny Boy, I raise a glass in toast to Tony.
When obit is out, will share link in this forum.

To Tony. 🍻
 
Last edited:
Very,very sad...a gentleman and a legend.I spoke to him once just after the 67/68 season. I always tried to walk past Roots Hall ( i was 11 years old)...as i walked through the car park Tony and another player,maybe G.Birks, was there and i asked him is it true what the kids say at school..being they did not want promotion coz in the third div they might struggle and get less money.
Still remember the surprise on his face and he told me is 100% not true.
RIP Tony a true Blues legend
 
The passing of Tony Bentley is for me personally a very very sad day in the history of our beloved football club. Tony played as a right winger(7) when I attended my first ever match at Roots Hall back on Jan.6th. 1962 in a 2-1 win against Torquay United. Tony then moved to right half(4) for a few years before ending his career at Roots Hall as a right back(2). Tony Bentley was an integral part of the legendary 1968-69 team a personal favourite of mine and really was so kind to me as a young lad when I use to go to Roots Hall, Victory Sports, or Priory Park to watch the team train often giving me programmes from many of our away games the previous weeks. Tony played over 400 matches for our club and was awarded a couple of testimonials for his 10 years of service both against his former club Stoke City ironically the first one when we were relegated for the very first time to Division 4 in 1965-66 and the second at the end of the 1971-72 season when we finally gained promotion back to Division 3. Something to leave you with to show what a caring person Tony really was. Back in 2001 Tony was over on holiday from Nova Scotia when I bumped into him standing on the cinder track outside the players tunnel at Roots Hall reminiscing about the good old days and as always he was very happy to chat to me when he mentioned the news that Mr Ernie Shepherd had sadly passed away and that Tony had just been down to the travel agents to alter his return home back to Canada so he could attend the funeral. Rest in Peace Tony, thanks for all those wonderful memories. ⚽ 💔 ⚽ "Once a Shrimper,🩵 Always a Shrimper".
 
Suffolk Shrimper In Dorset said:
So very sad news indeed - have just posted up a short tribute to Tony on SUEPA Facebook. He played in the very first game I saw in March 1971 and it was an honour to meet him on his last trip to Roots in 2018
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Very nice what you shared on the club FB page. I have shared with some of tony’s closest friends and has also been shared on the Kings Arm Pub page.
 
Whispering Bob said:
www.southendunited.co.uk

Tony Bentley: 1939-2024

The official website of Southend United FC
www.southendunited.co.uk www.southendunited.co.uk
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Southend United Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our true legends, Tony Bentley, just two days shy of his 85th birthday.

Bentley holds a special place in the history of our club as the fourth highest appearance holder, behind Alan Moody, Sandy Anderson and Kevin Maher, having donned the Southend United shirt 419 times over a remarkable ten-year career.

His journey to Roots Hall began in May 1961, following a successful spell with Stoke City where he scored 15 goals in 44 matches as a forward.

Under the guidance of Manager Ted Fenton, Tony made his Southend debut at the start of the 1961/62 season, helping secure a 2-1 victory over Bradford Park Avenue at home. Although initially known for his attacking prowess, Tony transitioned into a more defensive role during that season, a position he would become renowned for throughout his time at the club.

Tony was a cornerstone of many iconic Southend United teams during the 1960s and was voted the inaugural Player of the Year at the end of the 1965/66 season, a campaign in which he was ever-present on the field. After his decade-long tenure with the Shrimpers, Tony moved on to Folkestone Town and later Ashford Town before retiring from the game.
TonyBentley.jpg

Known for his exceptional character and sportsmanship, Tony was respected and admired by teammates, fans, and the broader footballing community. He was granted two testimonials by Southend United, both against his former club Stoke City, a testament to the high regard in which he was held.

Tony’s connection with the club endured long after his playing days. In 2018, he returned to Roots Hall as one of our first-ever SUEPA matchday guests. The warmth of the reception he received, including a rapturous round of applause from the crowd, spoke volumes about the affection in which he was held.

Tony Bentley will always be remembered as a true legend of Southend United. His contributions to our club, both on and off the pitch, will forever be cherished. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Tony’s family, friends and all who knew him during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Tony Bentley.

@Dacx
 
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