News

The Memories Of Ted Phillips Will Never Fade

|
Image for The Memories Of Ted Phillips Will Never Fade

The sad passing this week of Ted Philips has perhaps reminded us once more of just what a legend he was!

It is entirely fitting that Ipswich Town players will wear black armbands and take part in a minute`s applause before their Championship encounter with Leeds United on Saturday, as Ted was one of the greatest players ever to don an Ipswich Town shirt.

Although even I was too young to see him in the flesh, his reputation speaks volumes for the man and in his illustrious career with the Blues he scored a very impressive 181 goals.

In two short years, Town went from Second Division Champions to First Division title winners and the player with arguably the hardest shot in football, was responsible for a lot of our incredible success!

In fact, he struck up a fine twin striking partnership with another Town great in Ray Crawford, and in their Championship winning campaign the pair netted a staggering 61 times!

Sadly, Phillips passed away this week at the ripe old age of 84 in an Ipswich nursing home but he had a wonderful sense of humour right to the end. In his playing career he was renowned for his mischievous practical jokes.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy said today: ‘ I`ve been told of his goalscoring record at the club and it`s clear that he is player that stamped his mark on the history of Ipswich Town. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time.’

I do hope we get a good crowd at Portman Road on Saturday so that we can all applaud the memory of this quite remarkable man.

Phillips was born in Gromford in Suffolk and started his football career at local club Leiston, before joining the British Army.

After leaving the army he was recommended to Ipswich Town by a scout and attended a trial at the club. The club offered him a contract but he initially refused, as he was apparently earning more money as a gardener in Tunstall!

Thank God in the end he changed his mind because he went on to become one of the all-time greats and made over 250 appearances for Ipswich between 1953 and 1964, scoring almost 200 goals, making him the third highest scorer in the club’s history.


Frank Weston – Editor of Vital Ipswich

Share this article

A true blue through and through

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *