Byron Anthony

Byron Anthony
Personal information
Full name Byron Joseph Anthony[1]
Date of birth (1984-09-20) 20 September 1984
Place of birth Newport, Wales
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Playing position Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2001–2006 Cardiff City 1 (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)
National team
2004–2005 Wales U21 8 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.

† Appearances (goals)

Byron Joseph Anthony (born 20 September 1984 in Newport) is a former footballer who represented the Wales national under-21 football team. He is a graduate of the Cardiff City youth system and spent the majority of his professional football career at Bristol Rovers including promotion from League Two in the 2006–07 season.

Club career

Cardiff City

A dazed Byron Anthony is given the once over by physio Phil Kite following a clash of heads

Anthony, a product of Cardiff City's youth system, was capped eight times by Wales at Under-21 level. In May 2004, Anthony signed his first professional contract at the club.[2] His chances for the senior Cardiff City side were few and far between, however, with his only appearances coming in the League Cup. Unusually for a defender, he scored on his professional debut, in a game against Milton Keynes Dons on 21 September 2004.[3] Following this, Anthony signed a contract with the club in late-October 2004.[4]

In February 2006, Anthony joined Football Conference side Forest Green Rovers on a month's loan.[5] Following his loan spell at Forest Green Rovers came to an end, Anthony was released by the club.[6]

Bristol Rovers

After being released by Cardiff, he joined Bristol Rovers on 1 July 2006, linking up with former Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence.[7]

After being on the bench for the first three matches, Anthony made his Bristol Rovers debut against Grimsby Town in a League Two on 12 August 2006, making his first start, but was booked in the 43rd minutes.[8] On 17 October 2006, he scored his first goal for Bristol Rovers against Torquay United in the first round of Johnstone's Paint Trophy.[9] Several weeks later on 11 November 2006, Anthony scored his second goal of the season, in the first round of FA Cup, in a 3-2 win over Barrow.[10] Despite being restricted to twenty-three appearance, due to a knee injury,[11] Anthony signed a contract with Bristol Rovers, keeping him until 2009.[12] Anthony featured in the Bristol Rovers victory at Wembley Stadium against Shrewsbury Town, which saw Bristol Rovers promoted to League One for 2007–08 season.

Anthony featured in Bristol Rovers first game of the 2007–08 season against Port Vale, on 11 August 2007. He scored his first and only goal of the 2007–08 season on 1 September 2007, at home in 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest.[13] However, Anthony 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 Bournemouth in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and was expected to be out for twelve weeks.[14] After months on the sidelined, even making it back on the substitution, Anthony made his return from injury on 12 March 2008, in a 1-1 draw against Northampton Town.[15] Following this, Anthony went on to make twenty appearance for the club in the 2007-08 season.

In the 2008-09 season, Anthony remained in the first team spotlight until he received his first red card for Bristol Rovers in the 2008–09 season, in a 3–1 home loss against Walsall.[16] After serving a suspension,[17] Anthony was in the first team until he was once again sent-off in the first round, in a 1-0 loss against Bournemouth, which saw him serve a two match suspension.[18] After serving a suspension for the second time this season, Anthony returns to the starting eleven after months on the substitution bench[19] and scored his third goal for Bristol Rovers and his first goal in the 2008–09 season on 24 February 2009, in a 2–0 home victory against Oldham Athletic.[20] On 28 March 2009, He scored his second goal of the season, at home to Stockport County.[21] Then on 13 April 2009, Anthony was at fault when "he was caught in possession when he tried to dribble the ball away from his own penalty area", allowing Ali Gerba to capitalized, as Bristol Rovers lose 2-1 to Milton Keynes Dons.[22] On 25 April 2009 in a match against Swindon Town, Anthony suffered severe concussion, resulting in his inability to remember his name.[23] Despite this, Anthony made thirty appearance for the club in the 2008-09 season.

In the 2009-10 season saw Anthony played the first game of the season in 2–1 loss at home to Leyton Orient playing the full 90 minutes. Unlike the first three seasons at Bristol Rovers, Anthony failed to score a goal for Bristol Rovers this season. Despite this, Anthony remained in the first team, as he helped the club gain four clean sheets in the first three months to the start of the season.[24] In early-February, Anthony signed a contract with the club, keeping him until 2012.[25] All went well for Anthony until on 13 March 2010 against Tranmere Rovers, Anthony was involved in a challenge with Bas Savage, resulting Anthony substituted just before half time.[26] Following an X-ray scan, it was later confirmed that Anthony did not suffered a serious injury.[27] Towards at the end of the season, however, saw Anthony served a two match suspension[28] and suffered a hip problem,[29] but despite this, Anthony made thirty-seven appearance for the club in the 2009-10 season.

In the 2010-11 season saw Anthony scored his first goal of the season against local rivals Yeovil Town, in a 2–1 victory on 27 August 2010. The goal was scored in the 90th minute of the match, which ultimately won the match for Bristol Rovers.[30] Two months later on 23 October 2010, Anthony scored his second goal of this season, where scored a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Hartlepool United, in the 90th minute.[31] Anthony's third goal of the season came on 20 November 2010, in a 2-2 draw against Brighton.[32] Anthony suffered ankle injury in late-February that kept him out for weeks.[33] Anthony made his first team return on 25 March 2011 against Peterborough United, which set up a goal for Jo Kuffour, but scored an own goal, in a 2-2 draw.[34] Despite the injury, Anthony went on to make thirty-seven appearance for the club in the 2010-11 season, which saw the season relegated to League Two.

In the 2011-12 season, Anthony started the season well in the first half when on 13 August 2011, Byron scored his first goal in 2011–12 season at home to local rivals Torquay United, which saw Bristol Rovers lost 2–1[35] and on 4 December 2011, he scored his second goal of the season in the 6–1 rout against AFC Totton, this goal was the last goal he scored for Bristol Rovers.[36] He remained in the first team until Manager Paul Buckle was sacked and was succeeded by Mark McGhee. Under the management of McGhee, Anthony struggled to regain his first team place and was loaned out to Hereford United. Even after his return, Anthony's future at Bristol Rovers looks slim, as he was not offered a new contract by the club.[37] This was later confirmed by the club on 18 May 2012, as Anthony was among players to be released by the club, ending his six years association at the club.[38] Since his release by Bristol Rovers, Anthony later criticised McGhee for not giving Anthony a chance under his regain.[39]

During his time at Bristol Rovers, Anthony earned a reputation by the club's supporters as Mr Versatile.[40]

Hereford United

On 17 February 2012, Anthony joined fellow Football League Two side Hereford United on a month-long loan deal.[41] He made his debut for Hereford United in a 2–1 loss against Swindon Town the next day,[42] and scored his first goal for Hereford United seven days later, in a 2-2 draw against Bradford City at Valley Parade.[43] With first team opportunity given at Hereford United, Anthony's loan spell with Hereford United was extended until the end of the season.[44]

On 13 September 2012, Byron Anthony signed non-contract terms for Hereford United.[45] On 15 September 2012, he made his début for Hereford United in an match Dartford, which saw Hereford United lost 4–0.[46] However, in the next game against Cambridge United, Anthony received a red card, which saw Hereford United won 4-2.[47] Four days later after the game, on 26 September 2012, he was released from the club.[48]

Newport County

On 16 November 2012 Anthony joined his home town club Newport County.[49] He made his debut for Newport on 22 September 2012, against Forest Green Rovers.[50]

Anthony scored his first goal for the club on 9 February 2013, in a 2–2 draw at home against Tamworth.[51] Anthony later scored two goal later in the season against Woking on 16 February 2013[52] and Alfreton Town on 13 April 2013.[53] In the 2012–13 season he was part of the Newport County team that finished 3rd in the league, reaching the Conference National playoffs. Newport County won the playoff final versus Wrexham at Wembley Stadium 2–0 to return to the Football League after a 25-year absence with promotion to League Two.[54] Following the end of the season, Anthony was offered a new contract by the club[55] and signed a contract a few days later.[56]

On 6 August 2013, Anthony suffered a double ankle break in Newport's 3–1 League Cup victory at Brighton.[57] After five months on the sidelined, Anthony made his return to training in late-January.[58] Weeks later, Anthony played his first match in seven months, where he played for the club's reserve against Bristol Rovers.[59] Anthony returned to the team and played a number of games towards the end of the 2013-14 season.

His contract renewal for the 2014-15 season was delayed whilst he underwent fitness tests which was ultimately unsuccessful.[60] Anthony announced his retirement from playing on 1 December 2014.[61]

Coaching

Upon announcing his retirement from playing, Anthony took up a role coaching the Newport County under 16's and under 18's.[62]

In March 2016 the Newport County announced that Grant Kalahar would leave the role of Academy Manager at the end of the 2015-16 season with Anthony being appointed interim Academy Manager until the end of the 2015-16 season.[63]

Personal life

Growing up in Newport, Wales, Anthony attended St Joseph’s School.[64]

Honours

Bristol Rovers
Newport County

References

  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. ↑ "New deal for Anthony". Wales Online. 29 May 2004. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  3. ↑ "Milton Keynes Dons 1 - 4 Cardiff City". BBC Sport. 21 September 2004. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  4. ↑ "City youngsters sign new deals". Wales Online. 30 October 2004. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  5. ↑ "Anthony agrees Forest Green loan". BBC Sport. 17 February 2006. Retrieved 8 October 2007.
  6. ↑ "Veteran Cox released by Cardiff". BBC Sport. 22 May 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
  7. ↑ "Bristol Rovers seal Anthony deal". BBC Sport. 3 August 2006. Retrieved 8 October 2007.
  8. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 1 - 0 Grimsby Town". BBC Sport. 12 August 2006. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  9. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 1 - 0 Torquay United". BBC Sport. 17 October 2006. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  10. ↑ "Barrow 2 - 3 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 11 November 2006. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  11. ↑ "Taylor is dreaming of cup success". Wales Online. 27 January 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  12. ↑ "BYRON GETS NEW TWO-YEAR DEAL". Bristol Rovers F.C. 20 April 2007. Archived from the original on 27 February 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  13. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 2 - 2 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 1 September 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  14. ↑ "Anthony blow rocks Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 8 October 2007. Retrieved 11 October 2007.
  15. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 1 - 1 Northampton Town". BBC Sport. 12 March 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  16. ↑ "Anthony sees red as Rovers slump". Bristol Post. 13 September 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  17. ↑ "Bristol Rovers' Byron Anthony relishing return to starting line-up". Bristol Post. 16 October 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  18. ↑ "Difficulties in defence won't faze Bristol Rovers skipper Campbell". Bristol Post. 13 November 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  19. ↑ "Trollope plans for Bristol Rovers to hit Oldham on the break". Bristol Post. 24 February 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  20. ↑ "Oldham Athletic 0 - 2 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 24 February 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  21. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 2 - 0 Stockport County". BBC Sport. 28 March 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  22. ↑ "Anthony's error proves so costly for Bristol Rovers". Bristol Post. 14 April 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  23. ↑ "Swindon Town 2 - 1 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 25 April 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  24. ↑ "Anthony determined to keep things tight at the back for Rovers". Bristol Post. 12 September 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  25. ↑ "Anthony's delight as he extends his stay with Bristol Rovers". Bristol Post. 2 February 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  26. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 0 - 0 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. 13 March 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  27. ↑ "Bristol Rovers' Byron Anthony avoids serious injury". BBC Sport. 15 March 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  28. ↑ "I'm ready to stake a claim for a Bristol Rovers starting place – Regan". Bristol Post. 2 April 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  29. ↑ "Anthony's fitness is key as Bristol Rovers battle issues in defence". Bristol Post. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  30. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 2 - 1 Yeovil Town". BBC Sport. 27 August 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  31. ↑ "Hartlepool United 2 - 2 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 23 October 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  32. ↑ "Brighton 2 - 2 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 20 November 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  33. ↑ "Brentford v Bristol Rovers team news". Bristol Post. 26 February 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  34. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 2 - 2 Peterborough United". BBC Sport. 25 March 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  35. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 1 - 2 Torquay United". BBC Sport. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  36. ↑ "A.F.C. Totton 1 - 6 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 4 December 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  37. ↑ "Bristol Rovers: Orient keen to lure defender Sawyer away from the Pirates". Bristol Post. 12 May 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  38. ↑ "Bristol Rovers offer new deals to Wayne Brown and Danny Woodards". Bristol Post. 18 May 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  39. ↑ "Byron Anthony critcises lack of chances at Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  40. ↑ "Rovers' Mr Versatile Anthony wants to seal settled role in team". Bristol Post. 25 September 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  41. ↑ "Hereford United sign Bristol Rovers' Byron Anthony". BBC Sport. 20 February 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
  42. ↑ "Full-time: Hereford United 1 Swindon Town 2". Hereford Times. 18 February 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  43. ↑ "Bradford City 2 - 2 Hereford United". BBC Sport. 25 February 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  44. ↑ "Five changes as O'Kelly shakes up Hereford United at Port Vale". Hereford Times. 20 March 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  45. ↑ "Hereford United: Byron Anthony signs non-contract deal". BBC Sport. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  46. ↑ "Dartford 4 - 0 Hereford United". BBC Sport. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  47. ↑ "Hereford United 4 - 2 Cambridge United". BBC Sport. 22 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  48. ↑ "Hereford United let suspended defender Byron Anthony go". BBC Sport. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  49. ↑ "Exiles net Anthony and Jolley". South Wales Argus. 16 November 2012.
  50. ↑ "Newport County 0 - 5 Forest Green: Match report". Wales Online. 1 January 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  51. ↑ "Newport County 2 - 2 Tamworth". BBC Sport. 9 February 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  52. ↑ "Woking 1 - 3 Hereford United". BBC Sport. 16 February 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  53. ↑ "Hereford United 2 - 0 Alfreton Town". BBC Sport. 13 April 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  54. ↑ Hughes, Dewi (5 May 2013). "Wrexham 0–2 Newport". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 May 2013.
  55. ↑ "Newport County heroes sign fresh deals". BBC Sport. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  56. ↑ "Ismael Yakubu agrees new contract with Newport County". BBC Sport. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  57. ↑ "Newport County: Justin Edinburgh dedicates win to Byron Anthony". BBC Sport. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  58. ↑ "Byron back in training". Newport County F.C. 20 January 2014. Archived from the original on 27 February 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  59. ↑ "Newport's Byron Anthony plays first match since breaking leg". BBC Sport. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  60. ↑ "Byron Anthony and Michael Flynn update". Newport County F.C. 16 May 2014. Archived from the original on 27 February 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  61. ↑ "Newport County: Ex-Wales Under-21 defender Byron Anthony retires". BBC Sport. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  62. ↑ "BREAKING NEWS: Byron Anthony retires from Football". Newport County F.C. 1 December 2014. Archived from the original on 27 February 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  63. ↑ Anthony named interim Academy Manager
  64. ↑ "Ex-Bluebirds set for Wembley showdown". Wales Online. 25 May 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2016.

External links

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