Tony Grealish 21/09/1956 - 22/04/2013
Everyone at Kenilworth Road was saddened to learn of the recent death of Tony Grealish at the young age of 56.
Paddington born, Tony joined Orient from school and made his League debut for the O’s as an 18 year old in 1974 against Nottingham Forest and celebrated the occasion by scoring.
Tony had five years at Brisbane Road before moving to Luton in 1979 in one of the first transfer tribunals. The eventual fee of £150,000 was money well spent as he enjoyed two good seasons as a powerhouse in the Luton midfield making 78 League appearances and scoring two goals, including a blinder at Chelsea.
Surprisingly transferred to Brighton in an exchange deal involving Brian Horton, Tony skippered the Seagulls in the 1983 FA Cup final before becoming a bit of a footballing nomad numbering West Brom, Manchester City, Rotherham and Walsall amongst his later clubs.
Fiercely proud of his roots, Tony made 44 appearances for the Republic of Ireland including 17 whilst at Kenilworth Road.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends at their sad loss.