Tilbury Football Club are deeply saddened to have been informed of the passing of one of its finest players of recent years, the incredibly talented and skillful TONY MACKLIN.

Tony, a local lad, Tilbury born and bred, came to us, his home town club, following his release by West Ham United, and immediately became a firm favourite with the fans and was a crucial member of the team. Off the field, we always found Tony to be a polite and friendly young man.

Tony was mainly an attacking midfield player, and his skills provided huge opportunities for his team-mates. The big bonus for Tilbury was that Tony was also an excellent finisher, once he had a sight of goal, he rarely missed, contributing a good number of goals to the cause.

Tony made his debut for the club on October 28th 1989, in a League match away to Collier Row. It was a week later, November 4th, when he scored his first goal for us, in an F.A. Vase tie away to Felixstowe Town. In his time with us, Tony made 133 appearances for the club and scored 56 goals. Twice, in 1989/90 and 1994/95, he was voted by the supporters as the Player of the Year.

There is no doubt that Tony, fully fit and in his prime, would have been a certain selection for any Tilbury team in the club's history. I think I can speak for all of us who watched him, and say that he was a pleasure to watch, and a player who sent expectations rising high each and every time he got the ball.

Tony's record for Tilbury Football Club stands as follows;

Season: Appearances: Goals:
1989 / 1900. 34 14 Winner. Player of the Year:
1990 / 1991. 31 10
1992 / 1993. 11 6
1994 / 1995. 49 25 Winner. Player of the Year:
1999 / 2000. 8 1

TOTAL: 133 56

All at Tilbury F.C. have been saddened to receive this news, and our deepest condolences and sympathies go to Tony's Family, along with our best wishes for the future.