Tributes have poured in for Brimscombe & Thrupp president Bill Phillips following his death this week.
Born in Thrupp, Bill,84, served Brimscombe for a number of years as a player and sponsor and was a former chairman of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.
His brother Keith said: “Bill went to school at Stroud Boys Tech (now the Marling) then joined the Royal Navy and then went into the army in the Royal Tank Regiment.
“Bill lived in Scotland for a number of years returning to Stroud in 1970 when, recognising our playing days were over, we both qualified as referees. As time went on he ended up managing Thrupp FC and then at the Ernie Farmer’s request, amalgamated the two clubs forming Brimscombe & Thrupp in the process.
“All three of us Phillips’ boys ended up one way and another at The Meadow, Bill as president, and Barry and I as committee members.”
John Green, the GNSL general secretary posted a warm tribute to Bill, he said: “It is with very great sadness that I have to tell you that the previous
chairman of our League Bill Phillips has passed away.
“Bill served this League with distinction for some 50 years, indeed taking
over as general secretary of the League in 1979-80 for one season
when the previous secretary Cliff Evans retired due to ill health, Colin
Peake then took over the reins from Bill the following season.
“Indeed it is very fitting that the League introduced the ‘Bill Phillips
Sportsmanship Cup’ recently and how also fitting it was that Bill was
able to present its inaugural award.
“Bill then became Chairman of the League in 1997 and retired after 20
years in 2017, a true servant of the League.
“Over those 20 years Bill and I became very close and a great friendship
developed between us and therefore I feel his loss, terribly.”
Bill’s funeral will take place at Cheltenham Crematorium on Thursday, January 26th, 11am.
