Former teammate pays heartfelt tribute to Southend United legend after death at 84
(Image: Southend United)
By Michael Robinson. Trainee Reporter. 23rd Dec 2024.
A FORMER teammate has paid tribute to a Southend United legend who made more than 400 appearances for the club.
Tony Bentley, who made 419 appearances for the Shrimpers during a 10-year spell predominately at right back, died at the age of 84 on Wednesday.
Bentley holds a special place in the history of the club as the fourth highest appearance holder, behind Alan Moody, Sandy Anderson and current manager Kevin Maher.
Tony Bentley
(Image: Southend United Archives)
Frankie Banks, 79, who came up through the ranks of the Blues and played in the same position as Tony, hailed him as a legend who had a massive influence on his footballing career.
“He was a bit of a joker, he was the life and soul of the team, he helped me a great deal in my early career,” Frankie said.
“Tony was always there to give you advice and when you played with him, he would always be telling you where to go, and what to do.
“I looked up to him, he’d let me know what I couldn’t do. He helped me become the player I was and took me under his wing.”
In action - Tony Bentley
(Image: Southend United Archives)
Tony always had time for him and his fellow academy players, teaching them the ropes, according to Frankie.
He made his Southend debut at the start of the 1961 season in an attacking position before transitioning into more of a defensive role, becoming a cornerstone of many iconic Southend United teams during the 1960s.
He was later voted the inaugural player of the year at the end of the 1965/66 season.
Frankie, who began in Southend United’s academy at the age of 13, said Tony would often protect him on the pitch and would never let any nonsense against him slide.
Contest - Tony Bentley on the run
(Image: Southend United Archives)
“I always found him to be caring, he was very helpful, informative, great to play with, and quite a strong player,” Frankie explained.
“He was tough. A tough tackler, tenacious, hated losing like we all do, there aren’t many characters like him in the game now, he was a proper leader.
“He’ll be missed by all those who knew him. He should be remembered with great fondness by people who have supported us for all these years.
“I would say he is one of the legends here.”