08/01/2025
From this photo you wouldn't think he'd just added the Bill Dyer Trophy to the Manawatu Division Two title already safely locked in his trophy cabinet.
After a lifetime of service already to Feilding United AFC, I can't imagine he thought turning up to watch his grandson play with a bunch of alcoholic degenerates would light a spark in him to get back on the sidelines coaching.
2023 preseason rolled around with Tony installed as Gulls coach, and the competitiveness and drive he brought to the team saw the lads bring home the Division Three title by the skin of their teeth.
2024 saw the boys move up a division, and with some smart additions to the side, Tony lead the boys to a dominant league and cup winning season, with only 1 loss all year and well over 100 goals smashed in.
Now despite weekly prodding from the captain and the rest of the boys Tony leaves the Gulls two divisions higher than he found them, with a fully laden trophy cabinet, as he can now enjoy his well deserved retirement.
Cheers Tony, a top player, fantastic coach across multiple spells, continuing to contribute going forward on the Committee, and the very definition of what a Life Member should look like.
Up the Gulls!