Heartbreak as footballer dies aged 84 with tributes pouring in to ‘club legend’ who was ‘respected by so many’
Heartbreak as footballer dies aged 84 with tributes pouring in to ‘club legend’ who was ‘respected by so many’
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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.
![[Tony Bentley spent most of his professional career as a fullback with Southend United]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/english-professional-footballer-tony-bentley-958440048.jpg?strip=all&w=957)
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.
![[The Southend legend passed away last night]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/southend-legend-tony-bentley-958439865.jpg?strip=all&w=167)
"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.
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