Byron Anthony

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Byron Anthony
Anthony being treated by Bristol Rovers physiotherapist Phil Kite in 2009
Personal information
Full name Byron Joseph Anthony[1]
Date of birth (1984-09-20) 20 September 1984 (age 39)
Place of birth Newport, Wales
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Bristol Rovers (academy manager)
Youth career
2000–2004 Cardiff City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2006 Cardiff City 0 (0)
2006 → Forest Green Rovers (loan) 4 (0)
2006–2012 Bristol Rovers 163 (7)
2012 → Hereford United (loan) 15 (1)
2012 Hereford United 2 (0)
2012–2014 Newport County 28 (3)
Total 212 (11)
International career
Wales U19 7 (0)
2004–2005 Wales U21 8 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Byron Joseph Anthony (born 20 September 1984) is a Welsh former professional footballer who is currently[when?]Academy Manager at Bristol Rovers.

Born in Newport, he began his career with Cardiff City, progressing through the club's youth system after signing in 2000. He made his professional debut for the club at the age of 20 in 2004 but only made one further senior appearance before being released following a brief loan spell with Forest Green Rovers. He joined Bristol Rovers, helping the club win promotion to League One after winning the 2007 Football League Two play-off final. He remained in the first team for several years, making over 150 appearances in all competitions for the club before joining Hereford United in 2012 after an initial loan spell.

However, he was released by Hereford after making just two league appearances following his permanent transfer. He instead joined his hometown club Newport County in November 2012 but suffered a serious double break in his ankle during a match in August 2013. Although he made a brief return to playing, the injury would eventually result in his retirement from playing after struggling to regain fitness. Following his retirement, he was appointed as a youth coach at Newport and was eventually promoted to academy manager after a spell as the interim academy manager.

Early life[edit]

Growing up in Newport, Wales, Anthony attended St Joseph's Roman Catholic High School.[2] As well as playing football, Anthony was a keen rugby player and was part of a Newport under-16 side that toured France.[3]|Newport County]] and Barry Town.[4]

Club career[edit]

Cardiff City[edit]

Having played for local amateur club Cromwell, Anthony was invited for a trial with his hometown club Newport County at the age of fifteen but was forced to cancel.[3] He was later invited to a trial with Cardiff City, joining the club in 2000.[5] He was part of the club's youth side that won the 2002 Welsh Youth Cup, defeating Llanelli 3–2 in the final,[6] and captained the side the following season.[7] He was called up to the Wales U19 squad for the Milk Cup in 2003 and captained the side in six of his seven appearances.[5] He was also capped eight times by Wales at Under-21 level.[8]

Having signed junior forms with Cardiff at the age of sixteen, in May 2004, Anthony signed his first professional contract at the club.[9] After captaining the club's reserve side, Anthony was called into the senior team for several pre-season friendlies at the start of the 2004–05 season, featuring in a match against Chester City.[10] After being an unused substitute for a league match against Stoke City, on 21 September 2004, Anthony made his professional debut, being named in the starting line-up in a 4–1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons in the Football League Cup after Rhys Weston pulled out due to injury.[5] He scored Cardiff's fourth goal of the match, heading in from a Paul Parry corner.[11] Following this, Anthony signed a contract with the club in late October 2004.[12]

In February 2006, Anthony joined Football Conference side Forest Green Rovers on a one-month emergency loan deal,[13] He made his debut in a 3–2 defeat to Morecambe.[14] He made three further league appearances for the club before returning to Cardiff at the end of his loan spell.[15] At the end of the 2005–06 season, Anthony was released by Cardiff.[16]

Bristol Rovers[edit]

After being released by Cardiff, he joined Bristol Rovers on 1 July 2006, linking up with former Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence.[17] After being an unused substitute for the first three matches, Anthony made his Rovers debut in a 1–0 victory over Grimsby Town in a League Two match on 12 August 2006.[18] On 17 October 2006, he scored his first goal for Bristol Rovers against Torquay United in the first round of Football League Trophy.[19] Despite being restricted to twenty-three appearances in his first season, due to a knee injury,[20] Anthony signed a contract extension with Rovers, keeping him at the club until 2009.[21] Forming a partnership with the club's established defensive players Craig Hinton and Steve Elliott, Anthony was part of a Rovers defence that conceded fewer goals at home than any other League Two side during the 2006–07 season. Finishing in sixth place, the team won promotion after defeating Shrewsbury Town in the 2007 Football League Two play-off final.[22]

Anthony remained a regular in the first team following the club's promotion and scored his first and only goal of the 2007–08 season on 1 September 2007, at home in 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest.[23] However, he suffered a setback at the start of Rovers' 2007–08 campaign in League One in October when he sustained a broken metatarsal in the club's match against AFC Bournemouth in the Football League Trophy and was ruled out for twelve weeks.[24] However, he did not make his return from injury until 12 March 2008, in a 1–1 draw against Northampton Town.[25] He made a total of 23 appearances in all competitions during the season.[26]

In the 2008–09 season, Anthony remained ever present until he received the first red card of his professional career, in a 3–1 home defeat against Walsall.[27] After serving a suspension, Anthony returned to the first team until he was once again sent-off in the first round of the FA Cup, during a 1–0 loss against Bournemouth.[28] After serving his second suspension of the season, he fell out of favour before making a goalscoring return to the starting line-up, in a 2–0 home victory against Oldham Athletic on 24 February 2009.[29] Anthony made thirty appearances for the club in the 2008–09 season.[30]

On 13 March 2010, in a match against Tranmere Rovers, Anthony was involved in a challenge with Bas Savage, resulting in Anthony being stretchered off just before half-time.[31] Following an X-ray, it was later confirmed that Anthony had not suffered any serious injury.[32] He soon returned to the first team and, despite serving a two match suspension, Anthony made 40 appearances for Rovers in the 2009–10 season.[33]

Anthony scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season with a late winner against local rivals Yeovil Town, in a 2–1 victory on 27 August 2010.[34] Two months later on 23 October 2010, Anthony scored his second goal of this season with another late goal, an equaliser in a 2–2 draw with Hartlepool United, in the 90th minute.[35] Anthony suffered an ankle injury in late February and made his first team return on 25 March 2011 against Peterborough United, setting up a goal for Jo Kuffour but also scoring an own goal, in a 2–2 draw.[36] Anthony finished the season with 42 appearances for the club in all competitions during the 2010–11 season, as Rovers suffered relegation to League Two after finishing in 22nd position.[37]

In the 2011–12 season, Anthony scored in his second appearance during a 2–1 defeat to local rivals Torquay United.[38] Having initially retained his place in the side, scoring his second goal of the season in the 6–1 rout against AFC Totton,[39] he was dropped by new manager Mark McGhee who had been appointed as Paul Buckle's permanent replacement in January 2012. He made no further appearances for the club under McGhee, being sent out on loan to Hereford United. Even after his return, Anthony's future at Bristol Rovers looked slim, as he was not offered a new contract by the club. This was later confirmed by the club on 18 May 2012, as Anthony was among seven players to be released by the club, ending his six-year association with Bristol Rovers.[40] Following his release, Anthony publicly criticised McGhee, stating "He said he would give everyone an opportunity but he didn't give me the chance to show what I could do."[41]

Hereford United[edit]

On 17 February 2012, Anthony joined fellow Football League Two side Hereford United on a month-long loan deal.[42] He made his debut for Hereford in a 2–1 loss against Swindon Town the next day,[43] and scored his first goal for the club seven days later, in a 2–2 draw against Bradford City at Valley Parade.[44] His loan spell with Hereford was later extended until the end of the season.,[45] finishing the season with fifteen appearances for the club as they suffered relegation from the Football League.[46]

On 13 September 2012, Anthony returned to Hereford, signing non-contract terms.[47] On 15 September 2012, he made his début for Hereford United in a match against Dartford, which saw Hereford lose 4–0.[48] However, in his next game against Cambridge United, Anthony received a red card during a 4–2 victory.[49] The dismissal resulted in a three-match suspension and four days after the game, on 26 September 2012, he was released from his contract with the club in order for a loan replacement to be signed.[50]

Newport County[edit]

Following his release, Anthony joined his home town club Newport County on trial before signing a permanent deal on 16 November 2012.[51][52] He made his debut for Newport on 22 September 2012, against Forest Green Rovers.[53]

Anthony scored his first goal for the club on 9 February 2013, in a 2–2 draw at home with Tamworth.[54] In the 2012–13 season he was part of the Newport team that finished third in the league, reaching the Conference National playoffs. They went on to win the playoff final against Wrexham at Wembley Stadium 2–0 to return to the Football League after a 25-year absence with promotion to Football League Two.[55] Following the end of the season, Anthony was offered a new contract by the club,[56] and signed a contract a few days later.[57]

On 6 August 2013, Anthony suffered a double ankle break during Newport's 3–1 Football League Cup victory at Brighton & Hove Albion after a tackle by Iñigo Calderón.[58] Calderón received a straight red card for the foul but Newport manager Justin Edinburgh stated his belief that no malice was involved and dedicated the club's victory to Anthony.[59]

After five months on the sidelines, Anthony made his return to training in late January.[60] Weeks later, Anthony played his first match in seven months, when he appeared for the club's reserve team against Bristol Rovers.[61] Anthony returned to the team and played a number of games towards the end of the 2013–14 season but Edinburgh later admitted that there were still concerns over his recovery after he developed back problems, commenting "I think there's always a doubt in terms of the severity of the injury."[62]

His contract renewal for the 2014–15 season was delayed whilst he underwent fitness tests which were ultimately unsuccessful.[63] Anthony announced his retirement from playing on 1 December 2014,[64] revealing that he had been playing in pain following his return and stating "I've tried to get back to full fitness but I was never quite there."[65]

Coaching career[edit]

Upon announcing his retirement from playing, Anthony took up a role coaching the Newport County under 16's and under 18's.[66] In March 2016, Newport announced that academy manager Grant Kalahar would leave his role at the end of the 2015–16 season with Anthony being appointed interim academy manager until the end of the 2015–16 season.[4] After two months in the role, Newport appointed Anthony as academy manager on a full-time basis.[67] Anthony resigned from his position at Newport in November 2018.[68]

Anthony joined former club Bristol Rovers in September 2020 as an academy coach having recently passed his UEFA Pro License and would be working alongside the Under-14s team.[69] In February 2021, Anthony left Rovers to join Swansea City in a full-time role with the Under-18s squad.[70] Anthony left his role with Swansea City in late October 2021.[71]

In November 2021, Anthony returned to Bristol Rovers in the role of Academy Head of Coaching.[72] Anthony was promoted to the role of Academy Manager in July 2022.[73]

Career statistics[edit]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Cardiff City 2004–05[74] Championship 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 1
2005–06[75] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 1
Forest Green Rovers (loan) 2005–06[15] Conference 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Bristol Rovers 2006–07[76] League Two 23 0 3 1 1 0 6[a] 1 33 2
2007–08[26] League One 20 1 0 0 2 0 1[b] 0 23 1
2008–09[77] League One 31 2 1 0 1 0 1[b] 0 34 2
2009–10[78] League One 37 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 40 0
2010–11[79] League One 37 3 1 0 1 0 3[b] 0 42 3
2011–12[80] League Two 17 1 1 1 2 0 1[b] 0 21 2
Total 163 7 6 2 9 0 12 1 190 10
Hereford United (loan) 2011–12[80] League Two 15 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 1
Hereford United 2012–13[81] Conference 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Newport County 2012–13[81] Conference 21 3 0 0 0 0 3[c] 0 24 3
2013–14[82] League Two 7 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 0
Total 28 3 0 0 1 0 3 0 32 3
Career total 212 11 6 2 12 0 15 1 245 14
  1. ^ Appearances in League Two play-offs and Football League Trophy
  2. ^ a b c d Appearances in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ Appearances in Football Conference play-offs

Honours[edit]

Bristol Rovers

Newport County

References[edit]

  1. ^ Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2005). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2005/2006. Queen Anne Press. p. 23. ISBN 978-1-85291-662-6.
  2. ^ Terry Phillips (25 May 2007). "Ex-Bluebirds set for Wembley showdown". Wales Online. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  3. ^ a b Terry Phillips (3 May 2013). "Newport Boy Byron Aiming to Deliver Something Special". The Western Mail. Archived from the original on 24 May 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  4. ^ a b Andrew Penman (14 March 2016). "Newport County favourite Byron Anthony named interim academy manager". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  5. ^ a b c "Anthony set for City bow". South Wales Echo. 21 September 2004. Archived from the original on 24 May 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  6. ^ "City youths' last-gasp glory". WalesOnline. 10 May 2002. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  7. ^ "City Leave it Late to Cross Bridge". South Wales Echo. 7 November 2002. Archived from the original on 19 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  8. ^ "Rookies' Welsh call". South Wales Echo. 16 June 2003. Archived from the original on 24 May 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  9. ^ "New deal for Anthony". Wales Online. 29 May 2004. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  10. ^ "Anthony leading young Bluebirds". South Wales Echo. 23 July 2004. Archived from the original on 24 May 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  11. ^ "Milton Keynes Dons 1 – 4 Cardiff City". BBC Sport. 21 September 2004. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  12. ^ "City youngsters sign new deals". Wales Online. 30 October 2004. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  13. ^ "Anthony agrees Forest Green loan". BBC Sport. 17 February 2006. Retrieved 8 October 2007.
  14. ^ "Anthony's winning move". South Wales Echo. 20 February 2006. Archived from the original on 24 May 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  15. ^ a b "2005–2006 season". Forest Green Rovers F.C. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  16. ^ "Veteran Cox released by Cardiff". BBC Sport. 22 May 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
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  20. ^ "Taylor is dreaming of cup success". Wales Online. 27 January 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  21. ^ "Byron Gets New Two-Year Deal". Bristol Rovers F.C. 20 April 2007. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  22. ^ a b Elliott Owens (23 March 2018). "Bristol Rovers' best defensive partnerships and how Darrell Clarke's side compare". Bristol Post. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  23. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2 – 2 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 1 September 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
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  26. ^ a b "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
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  28. ^ "Bournemouth 1– Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 13 November 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  29. ^ "Oldham Athletic 0 – 2 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 24 February 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  30. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  31. ^ "Bristol Rovers 0 – 0 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. 13 March 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  32. ^ "Bristol Rovers' Byron Anthony avoids serious injury". BBC Sport. 15 March 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  33. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  34. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2 – 1 Yeovil Town". BBC Sport. 27 August 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  35. ^ "Hartlepool United 2 – 2 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 23 October 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  36. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2 – 2 Peterborough United". BBC Sport. 25 March 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  37. ^ "Colchester United 2–1 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  38. ^ "Bristol Rovers 1 – 2 Torquay United". BBC Sport. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  39. ^ Emlyn Begley (4 December 2011). "A.F.C. Totton 1 – 6 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  40. ^ Bristol Rovers' Byron Anthony among seven released, BBC Sport, 17 May 2012, retrieved 27 February 2016
  41. ^ "Byron Anthony criticises lack of chances at Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  42. ^ "Hereford United sign Bristol Rovers' Byron Anthony". BBC Sport. 20 February 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
  43. ^ "Full-time: Hereford United 1 Swindon Town 2". Hereford Times. 18 February 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  44. ^ "Bradford City 2 – 2 Hereford United". BBC Sport. 25 February 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  45. ^ "Five changes as O'Kelly shakes up Hereford United at Port Vale". Hereford Times. 20 March 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  46. ^ "O'Kelly devastated by relegation". BBC Sport. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  47. ^ "Hereford United: Byron Anthony signs non-contract deal". BBC Sport. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  48. ^ "Dartford 4 – 0 Hereford United". BBC Sport. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  49. ^ "Hereford United 4 – 2 Cambridge United". BBC Sport. 22 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  50. ^ "Hereford United let suspended defender Byron Anthony go". BBC Sport. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  51. ^ "Newport County close to signing defender Byron Anthony". BBC Sport. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  52. ^ Michael Pearlman (16 November 2012). "Exiles net Anthony and Jolley". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
  53. ^ "Newport County 0 – 5 Forest Green: Match report". Wales Online. 1 January 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
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  55. ^ a b Hughes, Dewi (5 May 2013). "Wrexham 0–2 Newport". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 May 2013.
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  57. ^ "Ismael Yakubu agrees new contract with Newport County". BBC Sport. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  58. ^ "Newport County: Justin Edinburgh dedicates win to Byron Anthony". BBC Sport. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  59. ^ Paul Rowland (7 August 2013). "Brighton 1–3 Newport County: Justin Edinburgh dedicates 'greatest result' to broken leg victim Byron Anthony". WalesOnline. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  60. ^ "Byron back in training". Newport County F.C. 20 January 2014. Archived from the original on 27 February 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  61. ^ "Newport's Byron Anthony plays first match since breaking leg". BBC Sport. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  62. ^ "Newport County: Byron Anthony injuries concern Justin Edinburgh". BBC Sport. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  63. ^ "Byron Anthony and Michael Flynn update". Newport County F.C. 16 May 2014. Archived from the original on 21 May 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  64. ^ "Newport County: Ex-Wales Under-21 defender Byron Anthony retires". BBC Sport. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  65. ^ Simon Gaskell (1 December 2014). "Newport County defender Byron Anthony announces retirement from football after battling double ankle break". WalesOnline. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  66. ^ "BREAKING NEWS: Byron Anthony retires from Football". Newport County A.F.C. 1 December 2014. Archived from the original on 8 December 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  67. ^ Will Pritchard (10 January 2018). "Will Pritchard speaks to Academy Manager Byron Anthony and Academy Coaches Danny Elliott and Dan Benham about their current FA and UEFA coaching courses". Newport County A.F.C. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  68. ^ Penman, Andrew (30 November 2018). "Academy manager Byron Anthony to leave Newport County". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  69. ^ Frost, Sam (29 September 2020). "Exclusive: Byron Anthony returns to Bristol Rovers in coaching role". Bristol Post. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  70. ^ Frost, Sam (26 February 2021). "Bristol Rovers hero swaps the Gas for new coaching role at Swansea City". Bristol Post. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  71. ^ "Club statement : Byron Anthony leaves Swansea City". www.swanseacity.com. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  72. ^ "Byron Anthony Appointed Academy Head of Coaching". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  73. ^ "Anthony named Academy Manager". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 4 July 2022.
  74. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  75. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  76. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  77. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  78. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  79. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  80. ^ a b "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  81. ^ a b "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  82. ^ "Games played by Byron Anthony in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  83. ^ Hughes, Ian (1 April 2007). "Bristol Rovers 2–3 Doncaster Rovers AET". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 March 2024.

External links[edit]

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