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Ernie Phillips |
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Arguably the greatest days in the club's history were in the
mid 1950's when they hit the national headlines with their magnificent
FA Cup feats. During this period they were captained by Ernie
Phillips who led the side by fine example.
A right back, he was a fine tackler and excellent defender.
Born in the North East, he joined Manchester City just after
the war and went on to make 80 First Division appearances for
the Blues. In 1951 he was transferred to Hull City in a deal
which saw Don Revie move to Maine Road.
In June 1954 he joined City making his debut on the opening
day of the 1954/55 season in a remarkable 6-2 victory at Wrexham.
The famous feats of that campaign are well documented as the
club went os near to reaching the FA Cup final and winning promotion.
The following season they reached the 4th round of the competition
losing narrowly to Sunderland in a replay.
In 1957/58 City knocked out First Division Birmingham City 3-0
at Bootham Crescent before losing in a replay in the fourth
round to Bolton Wanderers, who went on to win the competition
that season.
Ernie figured in all these games leading by magnificent example
and in his four seasons at Bootham Crescent was a most consistent
and skilful performer. A virtual ever present in his time with
the club, he made 183 League and Cup apperances and scored two
goals before leaving at the end of the 1957/58. He went on to
play for Ashington and then Bridlington Town.
Ernie made his home in York and after his playing days were
over, worked in the British Rail work shops. He died in 2004
at the age of 80.
Ernie will be remembered as a model professional and a fine
sportsman and as one of the most influential figures in the
club's history.
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