Tony Rhodes (1946-2024)

We have only just learned of the death of Tony Rhodes who passed away in Halifax aged 78,  on 28th December 2024. Tony was signed by Southport in August 1976 by ex-Halifax Town Manager, Ray Henderson who hoped to build his side around Rhodes and appointed him club captain. However, his Southport career was blighted by injuries, and he made only seven Football League appearances and a further two substitute appearances.

Born in Derby on 17th September 1946 John Anthony Rhodes was adopted by a Derby couple and raised there. He joined Derby County as an Amateur after leaving his Alfreton school and having written to the club for a trial. He became a full-time professional in October 1963 making his Second Division debut at Swansea when still only eighteen years old. Tony spent most of his seven seasons in their Central League team. Being an understudy to Roy McFarland offered him few opportunities and he had only five League appearances and a further two games in the Football League Cup.

Derby Manager Brian Clough transferred Tony to Halifax Town in November 1970. He proved to be a commanding and authoritative figure in the heart of the Halifax defence making 233 League appearances over the next six seasons. Tony was club captain in 1974-75 and elected Player of the Season the following year. There was widespread criticism by Halifax Town fans when he was transferred to Southport in July 1976.

Tony joined Southport on a two-year contract for a £2,000 fee. He started brightly scoring the only goal on his Southport debut in a pre-season Liverpool senior Cup tie at Prenton Park . Unfortunately, he was out for most of the season through ankle and later hamstring injuries. A loss of form resulted in him being omitted from both first and reserve team squads and he ended the season training at Halifax following a dispute over travelling expenses after previously camping out on the Haig Avenue pitch.

After his contract was severed by mutual consent Tony spent a season at Burton Albion before returning to the Shay to undertake coaching and was briefly Manager of the under 14 team at Oldham Athletic. A keen cricketeer, Tony  played for the Halifax based RAFA Club before moving to Derbyshire working first as a postman and then as a warehouse Manager. Returning to Halifax, he worked as an upholsterer.

Tony will be fondly remembered by Halifax fans while Southport supporters were left to  speculate how things might have been so different had he steered clear of injury.

MPB

Heritage Number: 1081

Debut Match*: 14/08/1976 v Carlisle United (Football League Cup)

Last Match*: 05/02/1977 v Aldershot (Football League)

* Qualifying Games