This is awful news. I meet Phil at a local Wandsworth gym as we were on the same weekly gym programme. We got chatting and I couldn't believe it when he told me he was an x footballer and had played for Charlton, as he he was one of my favourite players back in the day. Each week we would talk and he spoke fondly of Charlton and his involvement in coaching local kids etc. He was a really nice down to earth man and its very sad news indeed that he has died so young. RIP Phil.
I was delighted when he joined us for the simple reason he could not turn us over anymore. I remember the game at the valley when we we were three down in no time and he bagged two I believe. It ended 4~2 to them. As been said a very fine player. RIP .
Yes I remember that. Was delighted when he signed for us.
As others have said they think of Phil and the Leicester match, as did I immediately when I saw this thread. I had a wall chart that I filled in that season and remember colouring in two boxes of a block chart next to Phil’s name after the game . innocent times as a 12 year old geek , I can’t remember what I did a day ago but stuff like that is etched in my Addicks memory forever . RIP Phil you’ll always be in my Addick files .
80/81 was my first full season watching Charlton, as we'd moved to Canberra Road at the end of 79. Many of those players I recall with fondness, it was a great season, but Phil Walker was one of a small handful who stood out. Black players were relatively few in number back then, so that's almost certainly part of the reason, but he was such a watchable footballer, definitely a cut above the third division cloggers and journeymen.
Always liked his playing style, injury did for him alas (he missed a big chunk of one season IIRC).
Respect for him as a person for how he handled the inevitable 70s crap from the terraces (and maybe on the field). Easy to forget what pioneers he (and Trevor Lee) were, first black first team players in SE London perhaps, and how that helped those who came after. Recall a feisty game at Gillingham, and how he was clearly checking that Leroy Ambrose was "ok" and coping
80/81 was my first full season watching Charlton, as we'd moved to Canberra Road at the end of 79. Many of those players I recall with fondness, it was a great season, but Phil Walker was one of a small handful who stood out. Black players were relatively few in number back then, so that's almost certainly part of the reason, but he was such a watchable footballer, definitely a cut above the third division cloggers and journeymen.
67 seems so young. RIP.
I think Phil played in the same Millwall side as Trevor Lee another black lad. Edit - I see redlanered just said the same.
I missed that home game v W Ham, my sister got married. One of about 6 home games in 50 years. I think we won 1-0 Steve Gritt (can't be bothered to check). RIP Phil.
I missed that home game v W Ham, my sister got married. One of about 6 home games in 50 years. I think we won 1-0 Steve Gritt (can't be bothered to check). RIP Phil.
Correct. One of the all time great games in our history
Saw him play for Epsom & Ewell in an FA Cup tie in about 1976, against Southall. A first qualifying round second replay on a neutral ground at Dulwich Hamlet. Trevor Lee was also in the Epsom team. Alan Devonshire was in the Southall team. All three moved up to the League soon after.
I was always impressed that he went to play for Belenenses FC in the Portuguese League, the team with the chequered flag pattern shirt. Very good player. Underrated.
We have been in contact with Phil's family regarding providing a Charlton flag for the funeral.
‐--------
Dear Charlton Athletic Museum
That is the sweetest response.
The funeral of Phil Walker will be on Friday the 29th of July at 3:20pm at Garston Crematorium High Elms Lane, Watford, WD25 0JS.
Additionally, we will also have a live stream of the service from the crematorium. The link will be available on http://PhilWalkerFootball.com on the day.
We will also be holding a 'Football-themed Memorial Day' for dad at Wimbledon Park to celebrate the success of his Football School. Date to be confimed.
We look forward to seeing as many faces as possible that contributed to Phil’s smile, life and happiness.
From his children, Beau, Tamara and Amber.
‐---‐--‐---
On a tweet the family explained that Phil had been diagnosed with Leukemia and died shortly after.
Rest in peace Phil. That's very sad news. A very gifted and entertaining player.
(I'll not ruin my comment here by finding a desperate virtue-signalling opportunity to colour the 1970's with a 2022 woke brush as a few others have done ~ is nothing sacred?!)
I mentioned Phil's passing to my Millwall family/friends, seeing as he was such a player for them, too.
They both replied with a picture of Phil scoring in a Millwall win at The Valley where he'd run from the half-way line. Thanks. Rub it in, why don't you?
Comments
RIP Phil.
I had a wall chart that I filled in that season and remember colouring in two boxes of a block chart next to Phil’s name after the game .
innocent times as a 12 year old geek , I can’t remember what I did a day ago but stuff like that is etched in my Addicks memory forever .
RIP Phil you’ll always be in my Addick files .
67 seems so young. RIP.
Always liked his playing style, injury did for him alas (he missed a big chunk of one season IIRC).
Respect for him as a person for how he handled the inevitable 70s crap from the terraces (and maybe on the field). Easy to forget what pioneers he (and Trevor Lee) were, first black first team players in SE London perhaps, and how that helped those who came after. Recall a feisty game at Gillingham, and how he was clearly checking that Leroy Ambrose was "ok" and coping
Edit - I see redlanered just said the same.
One of about 6 home games in 50 years.
I think we won 1-0 Steve Gritt (can't be bothered to check).
RIP Phil.
I was always impressed that he went to play for Belenenses FC in the Portuguese League, the team with the chequered flag pattern shirt. Very good player. Underrated.
‐--------
Additionally, we will also have a live stream of the service from the crematorium. The link will be available on http://PhilWalkerFootball.com on the day.
Instead of flowers, we have set up a just giving page for donations for St Georges Hospital - where dad spent his final days. https://justgiving.com/fundraising/philwalkerfootball…
We will also be holding a 'Football-themed Memorial Day' for dad at Wimbledon Park to celebrate the success of his Football School. Date to be confimed.
We look forward to seeing as many faces as possible that contributed to Phil’s smile, life and happiness.
From his children, Beau, Tamara and Amber.
‐---‐--‐---
On a tweet the family explained that Phil had been diagnosed with Leukemia and died shortly after.
RIP.
(I'll not ruin my comment here by finding a desperate virtue-signalling opportunity to colour the 1970's with a 2022 woke brush as a few others have done ~ is nothing sacred?!)
May his soul rest in peace.
Great work @northstandsteve and Winston Sports
What a player!
They both replied with a picture of Phil scoring in a Millwall win at The Valley where he'd run from the half-way line. Thanks. Rub it in, why don't you?
A reminder that the funeral is today and that it will be streamed on the link above