All at Bishop Auckland Football Club are saddened to hear of the passing of our former Manager and Club Director, Tony Lee.
Tony’s first spell at Bishops’ was from 1993 to 2001 at a time when the Club was plying its trade in the Northern Premier League (NPL), Premier Division – effectively one step away from the (then) National Conference. In 1996-97 the team finished second to champions Leek Town.
On the national stage, the First Round Proper of the FA Cup was reached in 1994-95, with the team only going out of the competition in a replay at Bury after penalties. There were also two FA Trophy quarter-finals in 1997 and 2000, on both occasions the ‘Two Blues’ exited the competition after replays. There were also three triumphs in the Durham Challenge Cup and a couple of appearances in the NPL League Cup Final.
Tony left in late 2001 and continued to manage in the region with particular success at Newcastle Blue Star before making a brief return to Bishops’ in 2013.
Tony’s son Graeme was Manager of the Middlesbrough Under 23’s team so Tony and the family were very welcome, regular visitors to Heritage Park in recent times.
Everyone at the Club who knew Tony will always remember his warm, personable nature as well as his outstanding football experience and knowledge. We shall miss him.
Our thoughts go out to the lovely Lee family and Tony’s many, many friends.
RIP Tony.