Phil came to us from Hertford where he had spent ten years in the successful side of the 1960s managed by Alex Massie. Phil was a skilful and intelligent player, always capable of making a telling pass. If current supporters are looking for a comparison think of Dave Cowley who joined us towards the end of last season.

Phil was one of the final pieces in the jigsaw that manager Len Bayliss was putting together in the attempt to improve on the previous season's 4th qualifying round appearance in the FA Cup. We did just that and reached the first round proper at Luton Town with Phil playing in three of the six qualifying games as well as appearing at Kenilworth Road.

But Phil was coming to the end of his career in senior football and played only 12 games for us, the fact that nine of those were at home may explain why he is so well remembered by supporters of that era. His one goal for Ware came the week after the Luton game when it was enough to win an Athenian League Division One home encounter with Wokingham Town.

Our condolences go to Neil and the rest of Phil's family.