Tony Byrne RIP

Sad to report that ex-Saint Tony Byrne died yesterday aged 70.

Tony played for Saints between 1964 and 1970 making 101 starts, 13 sub appearances and scoring 3 goals. A Republic of Ireland international he was a versatile left-sided defender who was often picked by Ted Bates to man mark George Best. He was a lovely chap who I remember would often take time out after training to coach us kids in The Dell car park. He wound down his career at Hereford (Terry Paine brought him with him) and Newport. All thoughts go to his family.

I used to see Tony at Shirley Warren club when dating a girl from there called Sandra, I had a broken arm from playing football and Tony and Ken Jones both signed it - was so proud to have that. I remember Tony snuffing out George Best in one game - he hardly had a kick.

RIP Tony so sad.

Can the Mods make this a sticky for a few days please?

Showing my age here. I remember him, and seem to recall he ran with an alert, head up style, although wouldn't trust my memory any more...

Ted also played him as a centre-forward at Chelsea, as Ron was out injured. We lost 3-0.

He also managed to score both goals in a 1-1 home draw against Derby.

RIP was in the team when I started my fulltime support.

Condolences to family.

Alan

RIP Tony.

RIP Tony, I remember him as very energetic, enthusiastic midfielder.

A very decent player ...

I remember Denis Hollywood man marking George Best but not Tony... None the less liked his style ....

Bump

Bump X 2

RIP

I'm surprised he was only 70, just two years older than me.

I really wonder if heading those heavy sodden leather balls has led to so many old players dying relatively young.

RIP

I'm surprised he was only 70, just two years older than me.

I really wonder if heading those heavy sodden leather balls has led to so many old players dying relatively young.

I think he was suffering from prostrate cancer

Unlikely to be caused by playing football

RIP Tony.

RIP

Part of the team that was so much a part of my youth - condolences to family and friends and thanks for the memories.

RIP was in the team when I started my fulltime support.

 

Condolences to family.

 

Alan

Same here.

Shame he can't enjoy The Republic of Irelands matches in The Euro's.

My dad would occasionally bring him home for a jar or two after kicking out time at The Bedford when we lived in Devonshire Road, when I was a nipper. Really nice man. RIP Tony.

Yes, remember him well.

Always gave 100%.

RIP Murphy

RIP

Before my time, but always sad to hear of a former Saint passing.

There's a nice bit about him on the OS.

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/20160614-tony-byrne-appreciation-3142430.aspx

RIP

 

Before my time, but always sad to hear of a former Saint passing.

 

There's a nice bit about him on the OS.

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/20160614-tony-byrne-appreciation-3142430.aspx

Well said, Sir. Always sad indeed and especially for those of us who still have the memories of those long ago days.

The first Saints game I ever saw was a 2:2 draw against Burnley where Tony Byrne scored one of the goals along with Channon. Obviously the memory is very vague but a lifetime later I have reason to be thankful to Tony for a lifelong obsession. RIP.

met him a couple of times during his playing days. Friendly and polite too, but showed his metal when playing and recall his special assignments in marking George Best.

Don't know if Ted Bates played him deliberately as Tony came from the Eire ....and George was a Northern Ireland international.....but the tactic worked well.