Tony Betts
Encyclopedia
Anthony Thomas Betts (born 31 October 1953) is an English
former footballerwho played professionally in England, the North American Soccer League
and Major Indoor Soccer League.
, where he was loaned out to Southport
before having a trial with Port Vale
in September 1975. He started for the Vale in a 2–1 defeat at Gillingham
on 11 October 1975, but was let go in November that year without making another appearance. He moved on to Boldmere St. Michael's
before moving State side
to play for Portland Timbers
and Minnesota Kicks
. Betts scored the winning (golden) goal in extra time for Portland in a memorable North American Soccer League playoff victory against archrival Seattle Sounders on 12 August 1975. In 1979, Betts left the outdoor game when he signed with the Buffalo Stallions
of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He played three season with Buffalo.
he was working as an independent sales rep, selling sports shoes.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
former footballerwho played professionally in England, the North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
and Major Indoor Soccer League.
Playing career
Betts played for Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
, where he was loaned out to Southport
Southport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
before having a trial with Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
in September 1975. He started for the Vale in a 2–1 defeat at Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
on 11 October 1975, but was let go in November that year without making another appearance. He moved on to Boldmere St. Michael's
Boldmere St. Michaels F.C.
Boldmere St. Michaels F.C. is an English football club based in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield. They have played in the Midland Football Alliance since its foundation in 1994.-History:...
before moving State side
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to play for Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers (NASL)
The Portland Timbers were a team in the North American Soccer League from 1975 to 1982. The name has been used by two other soccer franchises: the Timbers of the WSA/APSL, Portland Timbers of the USL and the current team which began play as part of Major League Soccer in 2011.-History:In January...
and Minnesota Kicks
Minnesota Kicks
Minnesota Kicks were a professional soccer team that played at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota from 1976 to 1981. The team was a member of the now defunct North American Soccer League. The team had relocated to Minnesota after having been based in Denver, Colorado as the Denver Dynamos...
. Betts scored the winning (golden) goal in extra time for Portland in a memorable North American Soccer League playoff victory against archrival Seattle Sounders on 12 August 1975. In 1979, Betts left the outdoor game when he signed with the Buffalo Stallions
Buffalo Stallions
The Buffalo Stallions were a soccer team based out of Buffalo, New York that played in the Major Indoor Soccer League from 1979 to 1984. Their home arena was Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.-History:...
of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He played three season with Buffalo.
Post-retirement
He settled in the Portland area and founded the West Villa Soccer Club. At the turn of the millenniumMillennium
A millennium is a period of time equal to one thousand years —from the Latin phrase , thousand, and , year—often but not necessarily related numerically to a particular dating system....
he was working as an independent sales rep, selling sports shoes.
Honours
with Aston Villa- FA Youth CupFA Youth CupThe Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under–18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part...
winner: 1972
External links
- Profile at North American Soccer League Players