Devizes is mourning the death of the town club’s greatest-ever footballer Tony Edge, the wizard centre-forward famous for scoring 500 goals in 500 games.
Tony, who went on to manage the club, has died at his home in Devon at the age of 84.
He was born in Hoylake on Merseyside and came to Devizes in 1955 to do his National Service with the Royal Army Pay Corps, during which he qualified as an instructor at the Army school of physical training.
In 1956, while still in the Army, Tony joined Devizes Town and the magic began as the superb header of the ball showed his class.
Tony’s footballing feats were summed up by Devizes writer Rick Kibby in his book Devizes Allsports.
“Local fans would be treated to a true masterclass in the art of scoring goals,” wrote Rick.
“He regularly scored five goals a game, and in 1958 against Purton in the Wilts Cup scored a hat trick in five minutes, and went on to grab five goals in the 7-3 victory.”
He added: “1959 was a busy year for both Devizes’ front-line stars, Tony Edge and Roger Hunt were in the frame for Olympic soccer places.
"The two were picked to play for the Young Amateurs of the West against Bristol City as part of a series of games organised by the FA in preparation for the 1960 Olympics.
“Both players were also included in another Olympic trial match held at Villa Park and, having impressed the selectors, Tony attended a training course at Bisham Abbey and looked likely to make the trip to Rome.
"But Bristol Rovers' manager Bert Tann intervened and persuaded Edge to join Rovers in September 1959, dashing any dreams of Olympic glory.
“His first team debut for Bristol Rovers came after just five weeks, and he didn’t have long to wait before playing a Liverpool side that included his erstwhile playing partner Roger Hunt.
"During his short-lived Eastville career he scored five goals in 13 appearances before returning to Devizes Town in 1961, and immediately smashed the club record, scoring 92 goals in the 1961-2 treble-winning season.
“Tony’s footballing experience proved invaluable not only as a captain but also as player/manager in 1967 when Devizes took the bold step of entering the Western League.
"In 1968 his unbelievable record of 500 goals in 500 games was celebrated with presentations from Ted Chivers on the club’s behalf and by Paul Lloyd on behalf of the players."
Tony carried on playing until the end of the 1971-2 season when at the age of 35 he retired from football.
In a memorial post on its website, Devizes Town noted: “Devizes Town meant the world to Tony and holds many wonderful memories for his family.
"His goal scoring exploits will never be surpassed, 500 goals in 500 games is incredible and he will be sadly missed.”
Tony married in 1957 and he and his wife Lesley had three children; Janet, Colin and Russell.
After working as a quantity surveyor for W.E. Chivers, Tony and his family moved to Devon, where he continued his love of sport by playing golf to a very high standard, winning countless more trophies, and still playing until he was 83. Lesley died in 2016. The couple had three grandchildren, Darren, James and Jessica.
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