The football community join Middlesbrough to pay tribute after former Academy player Anthony Renton passes away aged 27.
It was announced on Sunday (7 June) that Anthony, who battled leukaemia since being first diagnosed with leukaemia back in July 2017, has passed away peacefully over the weekend.
Despite the battles he face, he is remembered for the positivity, the care he had for others, and just by the posts from family, you can see how loved and how much love he had to give.
Caroline Renton wrote: “I honestly cant believe I’m writing this 😢💔 what a champ you really were Anthony even on the hardest times you had to face you still got up & thought until the very end..
“If loved could of saved you, you would of lived forever 😢💔❤️ it’s been so hard this week seeing you like that but today I couldn’t even put into words how heartbroken I am!
“I’ll forever cherish all the moments we shared together & I’ll never forget the footballer you were!
“God only takes the best & i know you & grandad peter will look after each other until I get up there not forgetting all our other angels too.
“You really were some boy, the best nephew, brother, son, boyfriend, friend, grandson, great-grandson, cousin anyone could of ever wished for… you will forever stay in my heart & thoughts until the day i die! FOREVER 27 RIP ANTHONY RENTON ❤️🤍❤️”
Anth Renton said on the 30th of May, via Facebook: “Hi everyone I’m writing this message to let people who may want to know about my condition.
“I’m currently in intensive care suffering with a lung infection after a long struggle with my health the last ten years.
“I’m at a point where it’s easier to put it on here than message everyone directly.
“The specialists have told me there’s no option of me having a lung transplant at this point and also if I go into cardiac arrest they will not perform cpr with the damage on my lungs, there’s also a high chance I will not wake up if needing a ventilator.
“So I just want to take a chance to say if you’ve been a part of my life I’m glad of the times we’ve spent together and memories we share.”
Boro said in a statement on Monday (8 June):
“We are desperately saddened to report the passing of our former Academy player Anthony Renton.
“An inspirational character, Anthony bravely battled leukaemia for almost nine years – and never let it diminish his love of our game.
“Anthony was a promising defender and had only recently signed his first professional terms with Boro when he was first diagnosed with leukaemia back in July 2017.
“Despite the many challenges and setbacks he faced as a result of his cancer battle, Anthony continued to be a beacon of positivity.
“He spent many of his later years in coaching, including some time with our Academy. His dedication to supporting young footballers in their development both on and off the pitch will always be remembered, and leaves a lasting legacy with so many children and their families across Teesside.
“Anthony’s commitment was recognised when he was named a hugely deserved first winner of our MFC Academy Alumni Award in March 2026.
“Anthony passed away peacefully over the weekend at the age of 27.
“Our thoughts go out to Anthony’s family and friends at this devastating time.”
View this post on Instagram
RH Football Coaching wrote via social media: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the loss of a true friend, and great coach Anthony Renton, at just 27 years old
“I first contacted Anth in 2023 and asked if he would like to get involved in coaching with me at the foundation. From that moment, he took charge of the second team that come through the foundation, which has since become the current South Park Rangers U10’s Reds.
“Anth was a fantastic coach who cared deeply about the children he worked with.
“He often messaged me about the health challenges he faced and the many setbacks he had endured over the years. Despite everything, he always found a way to keep going. No one should have to go through what Anth experienced over the last 10 years, especially at such a young age.
“More than a coach, Anth was a genuine friend. He was always there for a chat, always willing to help, and always ready to support those around him. He would always volunteer his time to help at football camps, competitions, tournaments and countless training sessions, never hesitating to give his support whenever it was needed. His dedication to helping young players develop, both on and off the pitch, will leave a lasting impact on so many children and families.
“The football community has lost one of its good ones, and he will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew Anth during this incredibly difficult time.
“You will be truly missed by many, Anth.
“Thank you for everything you did for myself the kids, and everyone around you.”
Renton was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 18, with then Boro boss Garry Monk and club captain Grant Leadbitter offering their support.
“We were all saddened and shocked to the hear news about Anthony, but he’s got our full support and we’ll be with him every step of the way,” Monk said.
Leadbitter added: “Anthony is facing the biggest challenge of his young life and we’re all urging him to attack it head on and he has the full support of everyone in the dressing room.”
The #Boro squad head out to warm up with shirts supporting Anthony Renton. 🔴⚪️
Follow the build-up 👉🏼 https://t.co/wg7wHBe8zO pic.twitter.com/DEtx0SvtAb
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) August 5, 2017
The thoughts of all at MFC are with Academy player Anthony Renton, who has been diagnosed with leukemia.
➡️ https://t.co/xYRoYKzvg8 pic.twitter.com/LUzk3z4I8Z
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) July 24, 2017
The football community join Middlesbrough to pay tribute after former Academy player Anthony Renton passes away aged 27…
@will_tyerman: RIP Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends ❤️
@msherwood85: RIP 💔 so sad to hear of someone being taken so young. Thoughts go out to his loved ones at such a hard time
@slylukehughes: RIP anth pleasure sharing the pitch with you at Cleveland juniors
@Warfy8: RIP thoughts to all his family and friends
@miabrannigan7: RIP Anth, forever young x
@VlkaFenryka5: Love to his friends and family x
@LouSirr101: RIP no age to go, thoughts are with his family
@chrisnaisbitt69: RIP Anthony. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Luke Mark: RIP mate. It was a pleasure coaching with you in the Pre-Academy. You truly inspired all ❤️🤍
Michael Sherwood: RIP 💔 so sad to be taken at such a young age. Thoughts to his loved ones at such a hard time
Karl Coleman: Heartbreaking, anth was my boys first ever coach, gave him so much confidence don’t think he realised how much he helped him. May you rest in peace anth pleasure to have known you mate so sad 😢❤️
Sam Green: Waves of sadness wash over me every time i see these posts. Such utter devastation at what he has endured and the emotional rollercoaster it had on his family. He really didnt deserve the card he was dealt. Rip beautiful boy. X
Beth Tuffs: Having known Anth, he really was one of a kind. My heart breaks for all his loved ones. Rest easy Anth ❤️ 😇
Garry Sudron: Heart breaking. Was lucky enough to watch him at Marton and then Boro academy brilliant player and a great person
You must be logged in to post a comment Login