Ted Phillips

Edward John Phillips (21 August 1933 – 9 January 2018) was an English professional footballer who played as a striker.

Biography Phillips was born in Gromford, Suffolk and started his football career at local club Leiston before joining the British Army. After leaving the army he was recommended to Ipswich Town by a scout and attended a trial at the club. The club offered Phillips a contract, but he initially refused to sign as he was earning more money as a gardener in Tunstall. He was selected to play for the Third Division South side against the North in April 1957. During his time at the club, he was renowned for having the hardest shot in 'modern football', a title given after trials involving Peter Lorimer, Bobby Charlton and Bobby Smith. In 1962, a report in the East Anglian Daily Times said of Phillips: "It is an undisputed fact that he is the best kicker of a dead ball in the game."

After leaving Ipswich in 1964, Phillips played for Luton Town, Leyton Orient and Colchester United. After leaving Colchester at the end of the 1965–66 season, he moved to Malta to become player-manager of Floriana, a club he had played against during Ipswich's 1962–63 European Cup campaign, scoring four goals in the two legs. during the 1966–67 season. Despite winning the Independence Cup and the Maltese FA Trophy, his first season at the club was not regarded as a success and he left midway through the 1967–68 season. After returning to England, he played non-League football for Chelmsford City and Long Melford.

Away from football he also played for Suffolk County Cricket Club.

Honours Ipswich Town Football League First Division: 1961–62 Football League Second Division: 1960–61 Football League Third Division South: 1956–57

Individual Ipswich Town Hall of Fame: Inducted 2007