Rotherham United’s Honorary Life President John Breckin has expressed his sadness following the passing of friend and former teammate Trevor Phillips, aged 68.
Breck, who burst onto the senior scene at Rotherham United during the same era as Trevor spoke to www.themillers.co.uk to voice his message of condolence to his close family and friends, whilst recalling memories from his earliest meetings with a forward who would go on to make in excess of 300 appearances in Millers colours.
“The news of Trevor’s passing comes as a huge shock and I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a friend and former player who I, and everyone associated with Rotherham United, had a huge amount of respect for.
“I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone at the club when I say that we are all thinking of Trev tonight and the fantastic memories he gave us Millers, whilst also sending our love to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“He was a typical Barnsley lad, brought up a stone’s throw away from Oakwell and was often found honing his football skills as a kid on the cobbled streets nearby.
“I’m not sure which scout was responsible for bringing Trevor to the club but whoever it was should take a lot of credit because for us to pinch him from under Barnsley’s noses would prove to be a great move.
“He was a forward with blistering pace – and when I say he was quick, I mean he was very, very quick.
“We started at a similar time as youth players at Millmoor but I had come across him prior to our time with the Millers, when I played against him for Rotherham Boys. He was also an England youth player and his talent was obvious from an early age.
“It was no surprise that Trevor was a part of the glut of players who made the progression from the club’s youth setup to become established first team players at Millmoor.
“He will be sadly missed and I know from speaking to some of his former teammates following the news of his passing that it has come as incredibly upsetting news.
“Rest in Peace, Trevor.”