I was saddened to hear about Tony’s recent bad news, and felt compelled to write this tribute to a player who may not have been the best defender ever to play for the club, but would definitely rank right up there with the most loyal and committed players ever to pull on the red shirt. Since arriving in North Wales from Ipswich for a bargain fee of £40,000 he has been a model professional and led the team by example during his time as skipper. When I say that he wasn’t the best defender ever to pull on the Wrexham shirt I mean no disrespect to the man; I have nothing but respect for him, but what he lacked in ability he always more than made up for in commitment and effort to the cause.

During his time at The Racecourse he has experienced far more highs than lows, he had the satisfaction of seeing his old club Ipswich knocked out of the FA Cup at the Racecourse, led the Reds along that famous run to the Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup, including that lovely headed goal at St. Andrews before that fateful day in Derbyshire that I’m sure we would all rather forget, and he was also the first man to lift the FAW Premier Cup in its inaugural season here at the Racecourse after we defeated the old enemy from South Wales.

During his time here he has always been devoted to the cause and given 100% to the team on the pitch he has also done a great job when called upon to play at left-back when needed. He has been the model pro during his Wrexham career and hasn’t become big-headed but remained a mild-mannered and unassuming person. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony, through the pages of Red Passion, for his undying commitment and loyalty to the club during his career here, and urge the club to reward his efforts with a testimonial in the not too distant future, like other players whose careers have been prematurely ended by injury have enjoyed at other clubs.

Thank you Tony and best wishes for whatever you decide to do in the future. RP

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