Quick Facts
LibraBiography
Anthony Joseph "Tony" Mahoney (born 29 September 1959) is a retired English professional football striker who appeared in the Football League for Fulham, Brentford and Crystal Palace. He later forged a career in non-league football, spending a decade with Canvey Island. Mahoney is the sixth-youngest-ever Fulham debutant.
Club career
Fulham
Mahoney began his career as a trainee with Division Two side Fulham. Aged just 17 years and 38 days, he made his professional debut in a league match versus Cardiff City on 6 November 1976, to become the-then second-youngest Fulham debutant. He failed to break through to the first team at Craven Cottage, his best seasonal record being 22 league appearances during the 1980–81 season. Mahoney was released by Fulham in 1982, having made 69 appearances and scored 13 goals.
Northampton Town (loan)
Out of favour at Fulham, Mahoney joined Division Four side Northampton Town on loan in October 1981. He made six league appearances without scoring.
Brentford
Mahoney signed for Division Three club Brentford on a free transfer in July 1982. Partnering Francis Joseph up front, Mahoney had a good start to life at Griffin Park, scoring 15 goals in his first 28 appearances, before suffering a broken leg in an FA Cup second round replay versus Swindon Town in December. After recovering, he failed to show the same kind of form and was released at the end of the 1983–84 season. Mahoney made 58 appearances and scored 19 goals during his two years with Brentford.
Crystal Palace
Mahoney joined Division Two side Crystal Palace in June 1984. In a one-season stay at Selhurst Park, he made 24 appearances and scored five goals.
Grays Athletic
Mahoney dropped into non-league football to sign for Isthmian League Division One side Grays Athletic in 1985. He was part of the team which secured promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division and won two cups during the 1987–88 season, with Mahoney's striker partnership with Micky Welch being regarded as the most-feared in non-league football.
Dartford
Mahoney joined Southern League Premier Division club Dartford in 1988. He stayed at Watling Street for one season.
Canvey Island
Mahoney signed for Essex Senior League side Canvey Island in 1989. He was a part of a golden era for the club, which saw the Gulls rise from the Essex Senior League to the Isthmian League Division One with three promotions in three seasons. Mahoney was also part of the Canvey Island team which went on a run to the first round proper of the 1995–96 FA Cup, taking Division Two side Brighton & Hove Albion to a replay before going out.
Personal life
Mahoney's son, Tony Jr, was fatally stabbed in September 1999.
Honours
Grays Athletic
- Isthmian League Division One (1): 1987–88
- Essex Senior Cup (1): 1987–88
- Essex Thameside Trophy (1): 1987–88
Canvey Island
- Essex Senior League (1): 1992–93
- Isthmian League Division One (1): 1998–99
- Isthmian League Division Two (2): 1995–96, 1997–98
- Essex Senior Cup (1): 1998–99
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Brentford | 1982–83 | Third Division | 18 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 | — | 28 | 15 | |
| 1983–84 | 23 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 4 | ||
| Career total | 41 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 57 | 19 | ||