An Interview with Tony Stenson
When you ask fans to name their all-time starting 11, you are always bound to see Tony Stenson named in defence. 'Stenny' spent almost 15 years of his career at Rovers, and was ever present at centre back throughout that time. In 1983, on a rainy day in Dalymount, he put his name forever in the Sligo Rovers history books as he scored an equalizer against Bohemians in the FAI Cup Final to make it 1-1, and the rest as they say is history. The image of him running away to the crowd with captain Tony Fagan on his back has been etched in the minds of everyone who watched the game that day.
Photo from homepage.eircom.net/~sligoroverssc/
Stenny played with some of the club's greatest players such as Fagan, Harry McLoughlin, Graham Fox, Chris Rutherford, David Pugh and Paul McGee to name just a few. In this interview, he recounts the highs and lows of his career, such as winning the Cup and talks about the current Rovers team.
Who were your inspirations in football when you were growing up ?
When you arrived in Sligo, did you find there was a much of a difference between the league here and what you were used to in England ?
Your first major event with Rovers came in the 1970 FAI Cup Final against Bohs, which took 3 games to determine the winner. How frustrating was it to go through 3 replays and finish empty handed ?
"I found it very fustrating espically after been carried off with a suspected broken leg."
Seven years later, you played a key role landing Rovers second League title in the club's history. Had you ever experienced anything like it before and what was the feeling like, being able to lift the League trophy ?
"It was a feeling of elation, very happy, I was overjoyed and it was great for the town especally for the fans a small club winning the league."
Although it didn't last long, what was the experience of playing European football like for you ?
"It was a great experience I never taught i'd see European football, never mind playing against giants of Europe Red Star Belgrade."
Unfortunately, after the 1970 Cup Final, the club went on to lose two more FAI Cup Finals. Did you ever have the thought that the Cup would prove to be elusive for your whole Rovers career ?
"Short answer really but yes... I always taught it would come to Sligo Rovers whether I was involved or not."
The run of bad luck in the competition came to an end in the 1983 FAI Cup Final when you scored one of the most memorable goals for the club, bringing the score level at 1-1, and you clearly showed a lot of passion in your celebration, can you tell us about the emotions that were going through you at the time of scoring that goal ?
Who was the toughest striker you had to defend against during your time in Ireland ?
"Mick Leech of Shamrock Rovers, The Late Jackie Jameson, Bohs and Brendan Bradley of Finn Harps."
In 1984, you brought an end to a long and established playing career with Sligo Rovers that spanned almost 16 years. Was it a hard decision to have to bring your career to an end after such a long playing career with the club ?
"It was and it wasn't. I would have loved to have played for another year but when I think of it, the timing was probably right but it was gut wrenching after coming from Sheffield at 18 and spending 16 years at a Club and Supporters I grew to love."
To spend that long at one club is rare in the league now, what was it about Sligo Rovers that made you so commited to the club ?
"I found it easy to settle. I found the people of Sligo very welcoming, I married a Sligo girl and found the supporters of the Club to be the BEST in the country."
Do you still follow the club ?
"Yes on and off, I bring my Grandson Sean when I can."
What do you think of the current squad of players and manager ?
"The current squad is not bad, they play very open and exciting football but are lacking an out n' out goal scorer."
Evan Cawley asks: Why did you choose to join Sligo Rovers ? "I was let go by Sheffield Wednesday and ended up working on the buldings and recieved a telegram from Sligo Rovers and the manager Tony Bartley asking me to come over to Ireland. I never heard of Sligo never mind where it was only for my parents coming from Mullingar were able to tell me where it was. the Following week I packed my bags caught the boat and arrived in Sligo and the rest as we know is History."
Do you think the current squad is capable of winning the league this year ?
"At the start of the year I would have said yes but if the current run of bad form keeps up I dont think so unless they get a goal scorer."
"100% better its more professionally run, it has better facilities and professionals running the club. ex: In 1976/77 the manager at the time Billy Sinclair went around pub to pub selling golden goals to raise money for the club where as today there are volunteers doing this not the manager."
"I would like to Thank the Bit o' Red Blog, my nephew Evan and David for the questions, it was a pleasure, I hope you are happy with the answers.
Regards,
Tony Stenson"
On that note, thebitoredblog would like to thank Stenny for taking the time to do the interview, Mark Stenson for conducting the interview and Evan Cawley and David Willis for providing questions.
