Middlesbrough have paid tribute to former academy player Anthony Renton, who has died at 27 after nearly nine years battling leukaemia. Forced to end his playing career early, Renton later worked in coaching, including time with the club’s academy, and was hon
A Middlesbrough first-team shirt bore Anthony Renton’s name once, a visible promise from the club that he wasn’t alone. Years later, the club has had to deliver the hardest update: the former academy defender has died at the age of 27, after a long battle with leukaemia.
Middlesbrough said Renton passed away peacefully over the weekend, following “almost nine years” of fighting the blood cancer. He had progressed through the club’s youth ranks and signed his first professional contract at 18 in April 2017. Just a few months later, he was diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2017.
The club marked his diagnosis with a show of support ahead of their opening game of the 2017-18 Championship season, with the first team wearing shirts bearing his name. It was the early sign of a bond that would not fade when his playing career was forced to end.
Renton kept close to football and close to Boro, working as a coach within the academy. In March this year, he was recognised by the club with the MFC Academy Alumni Award. Middlesbrough’s statement praised him as “an inspirational character” who “bravely battled leukaemia” without letting it diminish his love of the game.
“An inspirational character. Anthony bravely battled leukaemia for almost nine years – and never let it diminish his love of our game. ” the club wrote. adding that despite the “many challenges and setbacks” he faced. he remained a “beacon of positivity.” The club also said his dedication to supporting young footballers—both on and off the pitch—will be remembered. and that his legacy reaches “so many children and their families across Teesside.”.
Those who worked alongside him have echoed that picture. RH Coaching. where Renton also coached. posted on Facebook that “Anth was a fantastic coach who cared deeply about the children he worked with.” They described a man who. despite everything. “always found a way to keep going. ” adding that no one “should have to go through what Anth experienced over the last 10 years. ” especially at such a young age.
Renton was described by RH Coaching as “more than a coach,” a “genuine friend” who was always willing to help and to support others. The post said he volunteered his time to back football camps, competitions, tournaments and countless training sessions, never hesitating when support was needed.
There was also personal tribute from those closest to him, including a message posted by a user signing off “Rest in peace, my friend,” thanking Renton for his help with the kids, football camps, and for being “always there for a chat.”
As Middlesbrough and the wider local game mourn the loss. the story that remains is not only about a battle with leukaemia that lasted almost nine years. but about what happened alongside it—coaching. guiding. volunteering. and staying connected to a sport that once took him onto a pitch. then brought him back to shape the next generation from the sidelines.
Anthony Renton Middlesbrough leukaemia Championship academy player coaching MFC Academy Alumni Award South Park Rangers Teesside
27 is way too young, rest easy.
I’m not even a Boro fan but this is heartbreaking. Nearly nine years fighting leukemia… how does someone do that and still stay positive??
Wait so he got leukemia in 2017 and they put his name on shirts that season? That’s kinda messed up they had to do that like a publicity thing. Also how do they know it was peaceful, like did he tell everyone? Either way sad though.
I remember seeing something about him back in the day, like the club wore his name and everything. Nine years is insane, I can’t imagine. Also I thought he was older? Idk age numbers confuse me. But big respect for staying in coaching with the academy, that part matters.