Rest in peace Tony Perry: Non-League pays tribute to man who’s smile ‘lit up the changing room’

Tributes pour in from players and colleagues at clubs from across the county
Tony Perry (centre) during his playing days with Windsor & Eton. Photo used with permission of Windsor & Eton FC.
Tony Perry (centre) during his playing days with Windsor & Eton. Photo used with permission of Windsor & Eton FC.

Tributes are being paid to Tony Perry, former goalkeeper and more recently goalkeeping coach at Binfield and Bracknell Town, who sadly passed away this week.

Several of Tony’s former clubs have left messages of condolence on social media, including Windsor & Eton where he was a goalkeeper and Director, as well as Binfield and Bracknell where he enjoyed successful coaching spells.

Football in Berkshire Chairman Bob Bacon – who worked with Tony at the Moles, said: “Tony Perry was a genuinely nice person. He always had time to talk, and talking with him showed his knowledge of football and footballers. He was an integral part of the team that took Binfield to Wembley. He was calm and enthusiastic and always wanted a higher standard of performance. I met him over coffee many times, and an hour always stretched to two. His skills improved the performance of many goalkeepers and his passing is a sad day.”

A tribute shared by Bracknell Town said: “Tony was a hugely respected figure in football, enjoying a distinguished professional career before dedicating so much of his time to developing players and sharing his knowledge of the game. During his time at Bracknell Town, as part of Tally’s management team, he made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“More than his achievements in football, Tony will be remembered as a true gentleman, a devoted family man, and someone whose warmth, character and passion for the game touched so many lives.”

Roger Herridge meanwhile, who worked with Tony in the dugout, said:  “He was just the loveliest man ever his smile could light up a room, especially a changing room.”

From all of the Football in Berkshire team, we pass on our condolences to Tony’s family and friends. If you would like to leave your own tribute, you can do so in the comment section below.

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