On leaving school Phil started his working life as a marine fitter on the River Tyne for Swan Hunters Shipyard in Wallsend. His engineering career then took him to Saudia Arabia where he worked 11 years for General Electric. He retired in 2015 after working as a director for 13 years with The Orion Group.

Phil’s football career started at Marsden Juniors and Redheads before he was signed by South Shields where he was understudy goalkeeper to the legendary Bert Garrow. From South Shields Phil moved to Boldon Colliery Welfare where they won the Wearside League in 1974. They also won the Wearmouth and Shipowners Cup on several occasions.

On reaching 40 in 1990 Phil started his Over 40’s career with South Shields and ended up playing and managing them for a couple of years before he became disillusioned and made the move across the water to Marden in 1990.

“There was only one club I would ever have moved to and that was Marden. They were the best run club even then”.

Phil played until he was 59 retiring in 2010 after breaking his leg in a charity match. He enjoyed numerous cup successes with Marden winning the Robson Pattison and Villa Real Cups on several occasions. The league championship however eluded the club over this period.

Post football retirement Phil continued his long association with Marden Over 40’s and a few years ago became chairman of the club. During his time as a director at Orion he arranged for the company to sponsor the club strips (the yellow ones) and the warm up tracksuits which are still in use today.

Over the past few seasons Phil has become the club’s main benefactor paying the fees for our pitch at Blue Flames Sporting Club and making a significant contribution to the purchase of kit and tracksuits. The club owes a huge debt to Phil and everyone is extremely grateful for his kindness and generosity.

Thank You Phil