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I regret to break the news that Phil Smith, 25 years old of St Blazey last season and formerly of St Austell and Falmouth has lost his life in a car accident. The world has just lost a true good guy and will be sorely missed by all who came into contact with him RIP Phil you were one of the best and I personally have lost a true friend.

My best wishes go to all of his family.

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That was just it Mike, you didnt have to know Phil personally, he would have time for anyone and everyone and was like you say, always upbeat and buzzing. He was set to return back to Afgan in September for his third/forth time in the Marines and whether it was football, golf, drinking, socialising or fighting for his Country, he was 100% committed in all he done. People like Phil dont come this way often and certainly are not replaceable.

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Guest johnner

Have known Phil since he started playing at blazey years ago.Top quality bloke.Lafs can you let me know where and when the funeral is.07966049664. cheers mate

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known him since i was 11 played agaisnt him for many different teams and probably the on of the best guys ive ever had the pleasure to be on the same pitch as

apart from the time he broke my foot in the under 14's shield final( purely accidental)the world has lost a great person and also a great soldier

kind regards SPUD

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I would like to echo the sentiments expressed already by other contributors. Phil was a good player who always gave his all when playing and in serving his country. Such a tragedy for this to happen to someone so young. My thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.

RIP Phil - you will be missed.

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Smithy touched so many peoples lives without really knowing it..he had a zest that you rarely find these days. A fantastic bloke and loyal through and through-hopefully you'll be as happy up there as you were down here,god bless mate. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

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Guest T Sunders

I can't believe this has happened. Smithy was always the joker but despite his laughs Smithy was a very talented and skillful player. I always remember his mazeys (bendy runs) especially against St Blazey when Phil was playing down at Falmouth. He'd taken on about 5 player's on two different occasions before meeting the goalkeeper, unfortunately putting in a tame shot which seemed funnier and a better outcome to his team mates then if he'd rocketed a thirty yarder. Phil always found the funny side of situations and loved football. I think a true testiment to his character though was his helpful side. One occasion I remember, was being stuck in Newquay when I was 17 with no money and too scared to call home. Trying to blag a taxi with some footballers it was quite clear there was too many people. I said don't worry I'll just have to run home, to which Phil shouted, I'm not letting Sunders run home by himself and a long trip home for us foolwed.

Phil will be greatly missed from all that knew him.

My love goes out to his family.

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Absolutely tragic news about Phil. A my deepest sympathy to his Mum and Dad.

Phil or 'Forest' as Kev Rowett and Terry Huddy would call him came into the County Youth side in 1998/ 99 and that outstanding squad won the South West Counties Youth Championship and a year later Phil captained the side that won the S.W.C Knockout Cup winning 4 - 0 against Somerset at Melksham Town.

Phil was a great guy in every sense of the word. Very competitive on the field and wonderful company in the bar afterwards. What more can i say, rest in peace Phil, you will always be remembered.

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Guest Postie Pidge

Such a tragic loss of someone so young. Just found out that one of our Sunday League players was involved in a car crash last week and is in a coma in Treliske. :(

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Guest RM Sec

Devastating News

Phil (Smudge) Smith was the captain of 42 Cdo RM football team who won the USMC Challenge Trophy (The Tunney Cup) this year.

As the cream comes to the top, he couldn't be missed any longer and he broke into the Royal Marines Corps football team.

Smudge had taken his time putting himself forward for corps football, as he held his civilian roots in high regard.

Smudge was highly thought of in many a football club throughout Cornwall which is a commendation to the man.

The thoughts of all involved with Royal Marines football and our wider organization go out to his family at this tragic time.

CSGT Dutchy Mulholland

Royal Marine Football Sec

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On behalf of Phil's family I can announce that the funeral will take place on Tuesday 24th June at

St Bartholomew's Church in Lostwithiel at 2pm. The wake will follow at Lostwithiel Golf & Country Club.

All those who had the honour of knowing Phil are welcome to attend both the service and the wake but please allow time for traffic congestion into Lostwithiel as a large gathering of mourners are expected.

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Although I never met Phil it is very clear just how highly his peers and friends thought of him.It's so tragic for someone so young yet commited to his country and football to lose his life and in such a way.My heart goes out to his parents,family and friends.

Having been in his parents position 13 years ago and I know just what they are going through.I hope the warmth and support from everyone on this Forum gets passed on to them as it will be a great source of comfort in the time ahead.

Condolences and deep sympathy from everyone at Falmouth Town F.C.

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Phil has been a best mate to me both on and off the pitch. His constant banter always brought a smile to my face. There was never a dull moment with Smithy about. Always put 100% into everything he did, and on his day, one of the best footballers ive met. One of my best friends, and one that wont ever be replaced or forgotten by me.

Still can't believe you're gone mate.

Rest in peace.

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  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Kevin Simpson

So Long Phil

I was Phils football manager from when he was between the ages of eleven to fifteen. He played for Polkerris and I managed the team with Malcolm Sutton. As managers we were extraordinarily fortunate in having a really exceptional squad. We won all the league comptetions we entered.

Phil came to us at the age of 11. He was in fact a cheeky monkey. Throughout the five years I knew him he was always a cheeky monkey - but he was also irrepressible and always full of fun. However, he never stepped over the line and in that respect, unlike some kids, he was never a real problem. He was a credit to his parents.

Phil was also possessed of an incredible natural talent and within a year he was one of those two or three players who names were automatically first on the teamsheet. As a player he was very strong and fit. He therefore took centre stage as the central midfield player. He was a key player and also a popular player. He picked up trophies as player of the seaason and players player of the season.

We won the leagues. We also won many tournaments including a memorable one in Carantec in Brittany. Phil was again a key player.

I knew Phil over five years. I saw him grow from a boy to a young man. It is funny to watch someone grow. They change, but in some respects they are always the same. Phil was one of those people that seemed to be hard wired to have a sunny disposition. It was infectious and he was therefore popular. He was a good lad to be around.

Over five years of running a team it becomes almost like an extended family. Every weekend we played the matches and every Monday was training. Because he lived in the same town as me Phil would often travel in my car. It was a way of life.

In later years I didn't see so much of Phil. However, when I did see him - usually over a pint in the Globe, I knew he was the same larger than life, full of fun character, who always, always, would give you time to have a chat and talk about what was on. I also noticed a different Phil. It was Phil the man - he had served for his country and had seen things that were out of our ordinary experience. There was an older, wiser head on his shoulders.

As a boy Phil gained respect and everyone warmed to him. He was brilliant as a footballer. As a man he continued to grow - the many tributes attest to this. Phil you were a top bloke.

So long Phil. Best wishes and sincere condolences to Julie and Bob. We can only imagine your grief.

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I played for Carharrack when Phil was at Polkerris. They had a great team!

I fisrt payed against Phil for another team and when he saw me turn up in a Carharrack kit he took the Mickey out of me (Carharrack were not so good before that season!) I remeber thinking that I hardly know this guy but he is a good laugh!

It is safe to say that as we were both challenging for the league title 2 years running that a bit of a rivalry built up. I got to know Phil through regular fixtures in youth football and the one thing I can say about him is that despite how hard we kicked each other on the pitch, he would always have a laugh after the games. Even at a young age he was a winner and you could see that.

It was a pleasure to have played against him!

Best wishes to all who knew him, especially his family and close friends.

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Absolutely devastated to hear such tragic news. I played youth football against Phil when he was at Polkerris and we could never get over how big, strong and brave he was, and god could he head a ball!

But the one thing that always stood out, regardless of the battles we'd had on the pitch, he'd always take time out to shake hands and have a laugh after the game - probably at our expense as we always struggled to beat his team!

An absolutely tragic loss, my heart goes out to Phil's family and friends.

Michael.

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