Wycombe Wanderers - News Item by Chairboys on the Net

MARK PHILO TRIBUTES
WANDERERS FANS
(First published 23rd January 2006)
Tributes left at Adams Park for Mark

More written tributes left by Wycombe supporters in memory of Mark Philo who tragically died on 14th January 2006.

Life can be unbearably cruel but people live on in the memories of others, and Mark gave everyone who saw him play some extraordinary memories and the promise of many more to come. Tragically we'll now never see just how good he would have become, but Mark will never be forgotten and will be forever woven into the very fabric of Wycombe Wanderers FC. RIP oily sailor

Such a talent and so young. After witnessing performaces such as his individual terrorising of Premiership Portsmouth you realise just how much potential he had and how far he could have gone. It's a tragic loss to the club, his friends and his family. One can only hope he's found peace wherever he is. Gone but never to be forgotten. Pantone 284

I watched Mark over the years at Youth, Reserve and First Team level and with all the others in the Vere Suite on Saturday, was horrified to hear the news. I suspect that you will have to forgive me on the 28th if I struggle to announce a minute's silence for a player that I regarded as one of our great hopes. I have some friends who also lost their son in a car crash at about the same age as Mark's family have lost him. Even thirty years later, the father reminds me of what would have been his son's forthcoming birthday if I see them in early March. With this knowledge of how the pain never really goes away, I would like to pass on my deepest sympathies to Mark's family and friends. Tony Crow and Claire.

My loss at not witnessing and taking pleasure from his undoubted footballing talents is nothing compared to the loss of his friends and family of what was by all accounts a thoroughly impressive young man. A cruel cruel loss. Devon Chairboys

My deepest sympathies to the family and close friends of Mark, who was much loved and admired. I will never forget what a great talent and character you were. A true star whose light will keep on shining. Rest In Peace Mark. Jack Silverworth

I am still absolutely gutted by the news, condolences to all the Philo family and also to the lady that also died family too, we are all thinking of you. I think the reaction from everyone shows why we are such an amazing club, we look after our own and it honestly feels like we have lost one of the family. R.I.P Mark, at least in your young life you achieved what most of us can only dream of, you pulled on the famous quarters. Steve

I still cannot believe the tragic loss of marks life, cannot put into words my feelings right now. Condolences to Mark's family, friends and loved ones and also to the other lady that died's family. Other peoples posts have had me in floods of tears at what a true star Wycombe Wanderers has lost, but more than that a true man that always seemed to have a smile on his face. Whats Going On

R.I.P. Philo. May your skill continue in heaven!! Tears in my eyes as I write. Have just seen the news due to no computer at the moment. But what is materiel all worth when one of your clubs players suddenly goes away in such a way? GODSPEED form the Danish Branc of WWFC. Michael Grostoel

RIP Mark Philo. My condolences to the Philo family, may Mark find peace and may you all be comforted through this sad time. Ed

I would like to pass on my sympathy to Mark's family. I will never forget Mark's sparkling performance gainst Portsmouth, it promised so much. Such a tragic loss. Old Man

What a player the world of football and wycombe have lost a bright star that will shine in our memories forever natty

Its already been said before but this is a terrible lose for Wycombe and formost his family..! I believe that he would have gone onto be a valueable asset for Wycombe and would surely have been in the team for years to come..! RIP Mark and thank you for being part of Wycombe! Brownie

My best memory of Mark came at a pre-season friendly with Beaconsfield. I was stood by the side of the pitch while two youth team players were warming up. They refered to Mark as 'the leg(end)'. Mark would of only been 19/20, but even then it was obvious how others felt and appreciated Mark's natural talent. He would of been an inspiration to many at the club and his legacy will remain. I was shocked to learn the tragic news on Saturday evening. Since then I have been moved by the sheer amount of messages that have appeared on various message boards. Football is often labeled as a game for yobs and big time charlies. It is so much more than a game and everyones kind words from across the country just go to prove that. sparky710

A great talent lost but not forgotten TAL

We heard the tragic news here in Spain via a phone call from our son who plays in the Youth Team (Dean Thornton). He told us how he had come to know and admire Mark as he had a broken leg the same time as Mark had a broken ankle, and they were often in physio together. Our hearts go out to Mark's family losing such a "gentleman" at such a young age, with his whole future in front of him, life is so unfair. RIP Mark, you will be missed by all the players and fans. God Bless xxx Yvonne and Jon Gabriel

The times I met you there was always a smile on your face - my daughter was in tears when I told her - she had just managed to get your autograph - it went to bed with her that night. You will always be remembered. Rambo

Tragic news, best wishes to all of Mark's family and friends, together with all at WW. Always enjoyed watching Mark play football, the passion and commitment was there for all to see, just such a shame that Mark, because of injury, could not get an extended run of games. Mark.... will never be forgotten! Steve Rose

Mark Philo - a few thoughts - I'd like to extend my sympathies to the family, and especially the parents of Mark Philo. First and foremost, the loss is of a fine, well-respected young man, as many of the eloquent tributes from those privileged to meet him make clear. It is a testament to his parents that this side of his character has emerged every bit as strongly as his tremendous skills. Like many others, I did not meet Mark, but feel his loss just for having seen his special talents on the pitch, and in turn for knowing that this is a case of massive promise, which must now go unfulfilled. That rare gift of footballing ability enables one man to enrich the lives of thousands of people without even meeting them. The reaction in the last couple of days has demonstrated that Mark was possessed of this gift in abundance. I hope it brings strength to his family to see what joy he brought to so many. Finally, the palpable sense of loss at the club shows how highly regarded Mark was. John Gorman and Steve Hayes faced a huge test on Saturday, and they were not found wanting. I am proud to support them and I wish them strength in the coming days. pseudonymous

Mark Philo - This Season is For You. What a terrible tragedy that a Great Talent like Mark has been taken away from his family, friends and club. Lets try and all hold our heads high and be proud of what he has acheived at such a very young age and lets also hold our heads high and all come together and cheer the lads on to the title. What ever is acheived this season is For You Mark. God Bless Your Soul. True Blue

We were so saddened and shocked by Marks death that we had to drive over from surrey to believe it and leave flowers. Such a waste of a bright young lad with everything to live for. Still shocked, our hearts are with Marks family, team mates and friends. God bless. Roger, David and Lorraine Gosling, long time supporters in the family stand

These are only words. They mean nothing. I have to say something but they dont come close to the way i feel or the deep sadness I am feeling. As a young man of mark's age, I held an enormous amount of respect for him as a player and also for the way he carried himself around the club. But not only respect and admiration but also envy. Mark was a truely special player with a fabulous talent which thousands of us can only dream of getting close to. His loss is an enormous one for the world of football. we will never know how far he could have gone and what that talent would have evolved into, and that is a great sadness. But even sadder is his loss to all who knew him, beacuse by all accounts he was a credit to his parents and a young man who touched so many people's lives. My thoughts are and will continue to be with his family and the family of the other lady who was involved. The reaction of the club and the fans has reminded me what a fantastic community we are all part of. It is something we should all be proud of, but it also shows how much Mark meant to everyone. Hoover

Tributes left at Adams Park for Mark

My Poem To Mark

It was such a tragedy
You were taken this way
So young in your life
So much football to play

We will all miss you
We'll never forget
We will see your smiling face
Every time the ball hits the net

You'll be with us always
Even when we reach the prem
We love you now
And we'll love you then.

G Paul

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