Neil Phillips, the England team doctor for the World Cups of 1966 and 1970, has passed away.
Back in ’66 England had two doctors – Alan Bass, who looked after the seniors, and Neil Phillips, who took care of the Under-23s.
Dr Phillips got his chance to work with Alf Ramsey and the senior squad when Dr Bass had run out of holiday - though Dr Bass did return for the later stages of the tournament, including the Final.
The FA asked Dr Phillips if he could join them for their pre-World Cup training at Lilleshall.
Ramsey wanted him to feel part of the squad and that meant he was able to build up close personal relationships with a team of footballers who were destined to become household names after winning the World Cup on that special July day.
One of his strongest memories of the Final was the atmosphere in the England dressing room after they had become champions of the world.
Phillips, in his autobiography, said there were no wild celebrations and that the players sat almost in silence.
Dr Phillips said the scene in the 1966 dressing room was one of quiet reflection
Dr Phillips was also at the next World Cup in Mexico in 1970.
The effects of altitude on the players had led Ramsey to appoint England’s first full-time team doctor, who helped prepare the squad.
Dr Phillips was present at one of the most controversial incidents of the whole tournament, when England skipper Bobby Moore was absurdly accused of stealing a bracelet.
He later had the vital job of assessing Gordon Banks’ ability to play in the quarter final against West Germany after he had fallen sick.
He appeared on Top of the Pops with the England team, singing their World Cup song “Back Home”, but took his leave of the team after Sir Alf lost his job as England manager in 1974.
A service of thanksgiving will take place on Wednesday 8 April in Dr Phillips’ home town of Malvern in Worcestershire.
His autobiography was called “Doctor to the World Champions”.
Our thoughts are with Neil's family and friends at this sad time.
