MARK PHILO TRIBUTES PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS (First published 20th January 2006 - updated 21st January 2006) These are a selection of written tributes left by players and officials in memory of Mark Philo who tragically died on 14th January 2006. The messages have been taken from the GasRoom message Board, some left in the Book of Condolence at Adams Park and also those published on the Wanderers Official website and in the local press. Players Mark had unbelievable ability and it was just a matter of time for him. We saw flashes of brilliance from him in training and it was only a matter of time. I am convinced he could have gone on and played a higher level. I loved his attitude. He always wanted to learn more and having come through the youth set up he always wanted to help the youngsters. When he came back from his injuries he sometimes got a bit frustrated. He was a perfectionist who just wanted to be great and he had the ability to be great. Steve Brown Everyone could see what a talented footballer he was but perhaps what people didn't see was that he was such a lovely lad as well. He was always smiling and had time for everyone. He touched the whole squad acr-oss every age group. The 15 and 16 year-olds all connected with him and so did Rob Lee and Tommy Mooney. That shows what a special character he was. And as a footballer he had the lot. If you look back to the Portsmouth game you will see just how good he was. Tony Adams raved about him and he knew a player. We all want to go on and win the league and dedicate it to him but sentiment doesn't come into it. Now is the time to be doubly focused and if we do so something this season then we really can dedicate it to Mark. Keith Ryan Enjoyed my time with you big man. I meant every word at Walsall, you could have been in the big time. Have one with me now and stick it on my bill. Just like always. Rest in Peace. Tommy Mooney Hi Sparky (loved that didn't you?). Such a loss of such a great talent and a great person. Thanks for being a true friend "Big Man". You'll always be my "Main Man". Love always. Russ (Martin) xxx To Dys. You are a total legend and I will never forget the banter we had together. It's been my pleaseure playing with you and to give you the arse kicking you needed in games sometimes. I'll never forget the faces we used to pull to eachother that no-one else understood. I'll never forget you bruv. You're in my heart forever. Love always Roger (aka Johnson) Mark. We never usually said hello. You would smile and I would laugh. You would ask me what was funny and I would tell you it was nothing. Your face would just make me happy. You always called me Ian, I'll see you again Mark. Stoney x (Ian Stonebridge). We will never know if the Prem was around the corner always a legend in my eyes. Mike Williamson You were the most skillful English player thanks for everything. You were an excellent friend. Sergio Torres I can't believe you've gone. You are going to leave a big hole in the dressing room. I've played many games over the years with you and I know your infectious smile and banter are going to be missed. I know you could have hit the big time. You will never be forgotten. Steve Williams Philo, I've learned so much from you and if I have half the ability you had I've got a chance of being a player. You always made me laugh. Love and miss you. Greggs (Stephen Gregory) We spent a lot of time together being injured and you were never anything but nice towards me. I remember when I first joined the club I was walking back to my digs because no one would give me a lift but you stopped and gave me one. That sums you up, a top bloke. RIP. Gary Bunting It was a great pleasure to know you the short time I did. You are a true inspiration to me as a young footballer at Wycombe Wanderers. Ryan Tackley You became my first real friend at the club when I first joined. You made me feel welcome Wesley Douglas You're a truly great player and a great person someone who had such an injury and to always have a smile on your face is a true inspiration Tom Cadmore I always respected you as a player. I loved playing football with you. You were one of the best players I played alongside, whether it was in the school football team or the County side, you were great. My heart goes out to his family, espicially his father Pas, who always supported Mark. Mark and his family were one of the nicest families you could meet. I am devastated at their loss. I will dedicated my next match to you mate. I will miss you. Fenners I would just like to pay my respect to Mark. I played with him in the youth team and I can honestly say he was one of the most talented players I have played with. He was a top lad too, always cracking jokes in the dressing room. I'm sure i'm not the only one to have been made to look silly by some of his dazzling footwork! He'll be sadly missed but never forgotten. Mark Boland It was an absolute pleasure to play alongside you in the youth team and reserve team at wycombe. and it was an absolute pleasure just to know you. no one will ever forget you mate. Keep smiling!! Gone but never forgotten. R.I.P Mate Grads (Kieron Gradwell) R.I.P Mark I still cant believe it. I’m absolutely gutted, you was a great guy and an even better player, definitely the best I've ever played with. My thoughts are with your family. I know all the guys that trained with you day in and day out are gutted as well and just can't believe it happened. You will always be in our thoughts. Leon Gordon I would just like to say how sorry and devastated I am to hear of the loss of Philo. I played with him when i was a third year scholar at the club in the youth team and was devastated when I heard the news on Sat evening that he had passed away. Leachy (Marc Leach) What can i say,there are no words to say that can possibly describe the loss of my dearest friend.we had soooo many laughs from youth team days,bude,marbella and nites out on the pull.(aahh laydars)I know it makes sense to you and the boys. The years we spent together were the best and i will never forget them. We played in the same position and what a help you were to me,always saying,"foxy keep the ball,thats all you need to do".From that day i always heard you whenever i had the ball.I miss you so so so so much mate and ill never ever forget the times we shared.You were the brother i always wanted.thanx for the memories malteaser head,loads and loads of love, 50p head p.s. looks like that drink we were meant to have is gonna av to wait a while.peace out mo dread. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx matty fox (fox dread) I would like to add my small tribute to Mark Philo and at the same time send the most heartfelt of condolences to the Philo family. Although we now live in Australia, the news of Mark’s passing away has hit us with as much force as it has the many back in the UK who knew him and who saw him on a daily basis. As the father of another 21-year-old Wycombe player myself, I cannot begin to imagine the sense of loss being felt in the Philo household. I can only add my hopes, prayers, and best wishes for them from afar. Mark was a great friend to my son; they shared holidays together and aspirations to become professional footballers. They came through the youth ranks at Wycombe together as two local lads making their way in the game, playing together for the youth, reserves and first team. But Mark was far more than a footballer, he was primarily a son and brother and a good human being. Those who knew Mark will agree I am sure that the Philo’s did more than produce a great footballer; they produced a great son who was always respectful and considerate to others and a credit to them. Dixon Family God Bless you. Thinking of you & the family, Nathan will miss you very much, as we all will. love, Len, Leon, Robert, Nathan & Luke Tyson Family Officials I coached Mark when he arrived at the club as 15 year old. He stood out and almost instantly moved up to play for the under 17's he did so well that he never came back to play in own age group. I remember Mark being quiet and polite and a lad that just wanted to play football more than anything else. We at the Centre of Excellence knew that he would do well in the game from the first moment we saw him. A tragic loss, my heart goes out to his father Pas and the rest of his family. Pete McCullagh RIP Mark. I am very sad to hear about Marks death, i was lucky enough to work with Mark when i run the under 17's, he was a very good player and i knew had a great future infront of him. He was a lovely lad, he was a credit to his family and club.He is a boy that i will never forget. My thoughts are with Marks family and friends. John Nolan Your next contract will be signed in heaven Mark, good luck and God bless. Keith Allen I would like to add my words of tribute on this forum. As a parent of four boys the eldest (also called Mark) being only a couple of years younger than Mark, I still cannot properly imagine the pain his family and friends are feeling. I gave each of my boys an extra hug today. I have read every message on the Gasroom, fine words about a smashing and well balanced lad with an infectious smile and happy demeanour, a real credit to his family. He will be sorely missed by us all. On behalf of the club I would like to thank you all for your support, Wycombe is a special club with special people; we will get through this together but we will never forget the loss of our shining star. R.I.P. Mark Philo Steve Hayes |
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