United pay tribute to Phil Chisnall
It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of former Manchester United player Phil Chisnall, who has died at the age of 78.
“probably the best passer of a ball in the country,”but Busby, having bought the more experienced Graham Moore, elected not to persevere with the local product. Although Phil had contributed 10 goals in 47 appearances, the United manager took the calculated gamble of selling him to Liverpool for £25,000. Now it was Shankly’s turn to wax lyrical, declaring:
“Phil can do unusual things with the ball, he might be something special.”
Initially, the newcomer was stunned by the toughness of the Anfield training regime, admitting: “When I was at Old Trafford, I used to have breakfast before going to work. I never did that in all my time at Liverpool. I’d never have kept it down!”
Yet, despite working hard on Merseyside, he was granted only a handful of opportunities before departing to Southend United, with whom he prospered for four years, then ended his league days with Stockport County. His move to Liverpool still retains a footnote in club history as the last direct transfer between the two clubs.
Phil later returned to Manchester, running two betting shops, then worked as a plant operator and in a bakery, before he passed away this week at the age of 78.
Manchester United extends its condolences to Phil’s family and friends at this sad time.