Tributes paid to cherished Robins volunteer
11th August, 2022
Selby Town have announced the sad passing of one of the Toolstation NCEL Division One club's long-time volunteers Phil Dearnley.
Former Robins chairman Dave Haddock has led the tributes on their website, saying: "This morning I woke to the news that a good friend of mine had passed.
"Phil was a good man, and a man who, in many ways, helped to shape my life in the last six or seven years.
"Through Phil’s kindness, I was introduced to volunteering at Selby Town Football Club - something I’d often dreamt about as a child.
"Together, sat in numerous pubs over a period of months we scribbled in our notepads, taking the club apart bit-by-bit and debating how we could put it together in a way that would not only improve it, but would ensure that it survived and thrived for many years to come.
"Phil was a cynical man which could be infuriating at times but, unlike someone who is wholly negative in personality, Phil was always open to try something new despite his doubts.
"And, often his cynicism led us to proceed with caution which helped the actions that we took to be ultimately more successful.
"Much like myself, Phil wasn’t one for picking up a paintbrush or trying his hand at DIY at the club - we both knew what our skills were and they certainly didn’t involve DIY!
"Many may remember Phil from his match reports, and he definitely had a way with words.
"There were many weeks when I had to edit and upload his reports to the website, and he’d often use words which I had never seen before.
"I spent a lot of time looking these up in a dictionary, and that’s despite being an English tutor!
"He was an ideas man and much of the good that you see at the club today came from those discussions and our notepads, and Phil’s influence should never be forgotten.
"When it came to the club, Phil was my biggest champion, and he was always there to push me forward and motivate me with kind words.
"I can honestly state that the friends I met, and the growth I had as a person in those years would not have happened if it hadn’t been for him reaching out to me many years before.
"Whenever we were together, there was one conversation he always brought up, that of his family.
"Phil had three sons, a daughter in law, and two wonderful grandchildren and, like all families, there were challenges along the way but he would do anything for them.
"Ultimately, his family and his football were the two most important things to Phil and, nearer the end, his tears were never for himself, they were always for his family whom he loved very much.
"I'd like to thank Steve [McGarrity], the club chairman, for letting me write this.
"I know he and the rest of the volunteers will continue to work hard to make the club a success in the spirit that Phil brought to the club.
"Thank you also to the players who showed great kindness and friendship to Phil, they too will miss his presence.
"Phil will not be forgotten. His impact on the club as a supporter, volunteer and most importantly as friend will always remain."
All at the NCEL send our deepest condolences to Phil's friends, family and colleagues, and to everyone at Selby Town at this sad time.
(Story Source: Selby Town)
Click here for Selby Town's team page.