News
Blues legend Tony Marshall sadly passes
It is with deep sadness that the club announce that Bedford Blues legend and former captain, Tony Marshall passed away peacefully over the weekend at the age of 91.
The youngest ever player to represent the Blues, aged just 15 while a student at Bedford School, Tony began his career at Goldington Road as a back-row forward before switching to the front row.
A member of Bedford’s prestigious ‘200 club’, Marshall made 241 appearances for the Blues between 1945-59, contributing 119 points, including 31 tries.
He was captain of the club in 1955/56, notably being part of the only father-son duo in history to have skippered the side. His father, Arthur, who made 250 appearances himself between 1922-33, led the team in the 1932-33 season.
Away from Goldington Road, Marshall gained a Cambridge Blue in 1950 while studying Law and Economics, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
Following retirement, he also took up a role on the club’s committee for 20 years, became Bedford’s representative with the East Midlands and later became Treasurer for county board, a position he held for close to 30 years.
Tony and wife, Jill remained loyal and avid supporters of the club over the years, regularly attending home matches.
As a mark of respect, the club’s flag will fly at half-mast for the remainder of the week in Tony’s honour. The thoughts of everyone associated with Bedford Blues are with his family at this sad time.
