Tony Dunne facts for kids

Anthony Peter Dunne (born 24 July 1941 – died 8 June 2020) was an Irish footballer. He played as a left-back, which is a defensive position on the field. Tony was born in Dublin, Ireland.

He started his football journey with a youth team called Stella Maris. Later, he joined Shelbourne and won the FAI Cup with them in 1960. That same year, he moved to England to play for Manchester United. He played over 500 games for them in 13 years. With Manchester United, he won the top league title, the First Division, in 1965 and 1967. He also won the FA Cup in 1963 and the important European Cup in 1968.

After leaving Manchester United in 1973, Tony played for Bolton Wanderers. He played almost 200 games for them over six years. Later, he played one season for the Detroit Express in the North American Soccer League in 1979. Tony Dunne also played 33 games for the Republic of Ireland between 1962 and 1975. He was even named Irish Footballer of the Year in 1969. After he stopped playing, he briefly managed a Norwegian club called Steinkjer FK from 1982 to 1983.

Playing for Clubs

Starting His Career

Tony Dunne was born in Dublin on 24 July 1941. As a schoolboy, he played for Stella Maris. From 1958 to 1960, he played for Shelbourne. He helped Shelbourne win the FAI Youth Cup in 1959. The next year, he won the main FAI Cup with them. They beat Cork Hibernians 2–0 in the final game.

Time at Manchester United

Just one week after winning the FAI Cup, on 26 April 1960, Manchester United signed Tony. They paid £5,000 for him. He was brought in to help cover for other players like Noel Cantwell and Shay Brennan. Tony's first game for United was on 15 October 1960 against Burnley. He played as a left-back.

He helped Manchester United win the FA Cup in 1963. They also won the top league title, the First Division, in 1965 and 1967. His biggest win was being part of the team that won the European Cup in 1968. They beat Benfica 4–1 in the final match. This was amazing because he had hurt his Achilles tendon earlier in the competition.

Tony played 535 games for Manchester United. At the time he left in 1973, only Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes had played more games for the club.

Playing for Bolton Wanderers

Manchester United let Tony Dunne go after the 1972–73 season. In August 1973, he joined Bolton Wanderers. They had just been promoted to the Second Division. Two months later, he went back to Manchester United for a special match in his honour. Tony played almost 200 games for Bolton in six years. He helped them win the Second Division title in 1977–78.

Playing for Detroit Express

In 1979, Tony joined Detroit Express. This team played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the United States.

Playing for His Country

Tony Dunne played his first full international game for Ireland on 8 April 1962. It was a home game against Austria, which Ireland lost 3–2. Over 13 years, he played 33 games for the Republic of Ireland. He played in different defensive positions, including both full-back spots and centre-half. He was the captain of his country's team four times. In 1969, he was named the Irish Footballer of the Year.

Becoming a Manager

After he stopped playing professional football, Tony Dunne went back to Bolton. He worked as an assistant manager from 1979 to 1981. Then, he took over from his old Manchester United teammate Bill Foulkes. Tony became the manager of a Norwegian club called Steinkjer FK from 1982 to 1983.

His Life After Football

Tony Dunne lived in Sale. He also ran a driving range in Altrincham.

He passed away on 8 June 2020, at the age of 78.

Awards and Trophies

Shelbourne

• FAI Cup: 1959–60

Manchester United

• Football League First Division: 1964–65, 1966–67
• FA Cup: 1962–63
• European Cup: 1967–68
• FA Charity Shield: 1965, 1967

Bolton Wanderers

• Football League Second Division: 1977–78

See also

In Spanish: Tony Dunne para niños