Tributes to Hartlepool United promotion hero Ernie Phythian

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Striker Ernie Phythian flourished under legendary boss Brian Clough after Cloughie took charge of the club in 1965 for his first managerial appointment.

He formed a lethal partnership with fellow forward Jimmy Mulvaney as Hartlepools United, as they were then known, began to drag themselves out of the game’s wilderness following repeated battles to preserve their Football League status.

Phythian scored a respectable 51 goals in 124 games and outstayed Clough at the start of the 1967-68 promotion season before moving to South Africa towards the end of the campaign after a fall out with new boss Gus McLean.

Hartlepool United promotion hero Ernie Phythian has died at the age of 78.

He continued playing before remaining in his adopted homeland after his retirement and becoming a car salesman.

His family have confirmed that he passed away in Johannesburg on August 3.

A statement by Bolton Wanderers, the hometown club where he started his career, read: “Bolton Wanderers is saddened to learn about the passing of Ernie Phythian.

“Born in Farnworth, Ernie featured for Wanderers in the 60s and went on to play for Wrexham and Hartlepool United.

Hartlepool United's squad at the start of the 1967-168 promotion season. Ernie Phythian is picture fourth from left in the bottom row next to chairman John Curry.

“He also went onto play club football in South Africa and represented England at youth level.

“All our thoughts are with his friends, family and former colleagues at this sad time.”

Phythian, who chose football as a career after also excelling at cricket, was signed by Geoff Twentyman prior to Clough’s arrival at what was then the Victoria Ground.

He scored 98 goals in 268 competitive games for his three UK clubs.

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Tributes to Hartlepool United promotion hero Ernie Phythian

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