Tony Steenson, the Manchester non-league football legend and charity champion known as “The Gaffer”, has died aged 78 after falling ill while on holiday in Portugal. His passing has sparked a wave of tributes from celebrities, former teammates, and fans who remember him as a beloved figure in the city.
A Life Dedicated to Charity Football
Steenson, a former player for Hyde United, Salford Amateurs, and Mossley, became famous for staging the All Stars charity football fixtures. Over five decades, these events raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes in Manchester, featuring TV and radio personalities.
Beyond his footballing ability, his constant chatter on and off the field, combined with his distinctive red hair, made him a respected and beloved character. Steenson worked as sales director for Newsquest Media throughout his career, while dedicating his spare time to arranging hundreds of charitable events with unwavering dedication.
Celebrity Tributes
Coronation Street favourite Alan Halsall led the tributes, sharing a photograph alongside “The Gaffa” with the message: “I love you mate. Some of my favourite memories of 30 yrs with you.”
Corrie stalwart Phil Middlemiss said: “I met Tony when I first came to do Coronation Street in 1990 and we travelled all over with the football team the All Stars. He was a very good friend of mine, he was a real character, a lot of people say that about people but Tony was the real McCoy - one of the nicest guys I've ever met. A great friend and I would say a legend in Manchester as other people will see by the amount of people who will turn out for his funeral. I think there will be everyone, even Andy Burnham used to play for the All Stars as well. He brought everyone together, a real, warm-hearted genuine man.”
BBC DJ Mike Sweeney paid a touching tribute, saying: “I met Tony Steenson in 1983 when I played in his testimonial match at Hyde United, he then took over as manager of The Piccadilly Attackers and made us one of the most successful charity football clubs in the country. That team eventually became the Jet 2 TV Allstars. Tony spent over four decades arranging charity football matches and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. He was an absolutely unique individual and I was proud to have him as a team-mate and one of my oldest friends. I'll miss you so much Tony.”
Playing Career and Legacy
Manchester-born former West Bromwich star Len Cantello, who also played for Bolton Wanderers, said: “Great guy. Not enough words to say how he was respected in everything he touched. I think I speak for everyone in the football world - he will be so sadly missed. As he always said, top man, and he was.”
Steenson began his playing career in the late 1960s with Salford Amateurs, who would eventually become League 2 side Salford City. He signed for Mossley in November 1972, but returned to Salford Amateurs after the club's boss stepped down within a week. He rejoined Mossley in August 1973 and spent two seasons as a defender, making 133 appearances and scoring four goals.
He moved to Hyde United in September 1975, where he enjoyed a distinguished spell, before returning to Mossley in August 1984 as assistant manager and later player-manager. Hyde United shared a tribute, saying: “The Hyde United Board are extremely saddened to hear of the recent passing of former player and captain, Tony Steenson. Having joined in 1975, Tony went on to make 276 appearances for the club up to leaving at the end of the 83/84 season and was Supporters' Player of the Year in 77/78. A born leader and organiser (you could literally hear his shouts all around the ground!), he was arguably one of Hyde United's greatest ever captains, leading the team to the Cheshire League treble in 81/82 and promotion back to the Northern Premier League. Our club historian, Mike Pavasovic is in the process of producing a more in-depth tribute and the club intends to pay our respects properly to Tony at a future match, which will be notified to everyone in good time. On behalf of everyone involved at Hyde United, we send our deepest sympathies to Tony's family and friends.”
Fans also paid tribute on social media, with one user saying: “Best Captain Hyde United have ever had. True Hyde legend,” and another adding: “Hyde United legend. That squeaky voice will be missed.” A third commented: “Lovely man - always a kind word for everyone,” while another wrote: “Really looked after me when I signed for Salford Ammies, best organiser of a back four and great company.”
