1. Antony Thomas Sweeney was born on 5 September 1983 and is an English professional football coach and former player.
20 Facts About Antony Sweeney
1. 2.
Antony Sweeney left the club in 2014 for Carlisle United, where he spent two seasons, before retiring at National League side Gateshead.
3.
Antony Sweeney joined Hartlepool's Youth Development programme, the same programme that developed players such as Adam Boyd and Jim Provett into first team regulars.
4.
Antony Sweeney established himself as a hot prospect whilst in the youth team and was offered a permanent contract under Chris Turner.
5.
However, despite his potential Antony Sweeney found it difficult to establish himself as permanent fixture in the team and spent the majority of the following two seasons in the reserves.
6.
Antony Sweeney received his first red card against Milton Keynes Dons after a tussle with Izale McLeod but he more than made up for it when he scored his first hat-trick against Chesterfield in his next appearance.
7.
Antony Sweeney's deceiving runs from midfield enabled him to get in behind opposition defences and this helped him to notch up 12 goals for the season, making him Hartlepool's highest scoring midfield player.
8.
Antony Sweeney would start in the 2005 Football League One play-off final as Hartlepool were defeated in extra-time to Sheffield Wednesday.
9.
On 20 June 2014, Antony Sweeney signed a two-year deal with League Two side Carlisle United following their relegation from League One.
10.
Antony Sweeney was released at the end of his two years and signed for Gateshead.
11.
Antony Sweeney made 58 appearances in all competitions for The Cumbrians.
12.
In 2016, Antony Sweeney began coaching Hartlepool United U16s part-time while playing for Gateshead.
13.
In January 2019, Antony Sweeney began coaching Hartlepool's first team as a part of Craig Hignett's backroom staff.
14.
Antony Sweeney returned to his previous role as first team coach when Dave Challinor was appointed Pools manager in November 2019.
15.
Antony Sweeney was appointed interim manager after Dave Challinor left the club to join Stockport County in November 2021.
16.
On 2 March 2022, Antony Sweeney signed a long term contract with the club.
17.
In March 2022, at the annual North East Football Writers Association Awards, Antony Sweeney received the prestigious John Fotheringham Award which goes to someone who has made a significant contribution to football in the North East.
18.
On 9 May 2024, it was confirmed that Antony Sweeney would depart the club.
19.
On 1 July 2024, it was announced that Antony Sweeney had been appointed as a first team coach at National League side Gateshead as a part of Rob Elliot's coaching staff.
20.
On 1 October 2024, Antony Sweeney joined Elliot in moving to Crawley Town.