Man behind Rovers clubrooms and stadium off to build a new life

Labour of Love: Phil Flanagan and his partner Sally Cann in front of the club rooms Phil started to build back in 1984 (photo by Steph Gunther).

​Phil Flanagan is not only one of Napier City Rovers biggest supporters, he has a long and proud history with the club.
Phil was the leading figure who helped build the Rovers club rooms and stadium that have been enjoyed by many football supporters over the last few decades.

Hawke's Bay referee guru Tony Simmonds paid homage to the contribution Phil has made to the club over the years.
"Phil was the driving force behind renovating the old clubrooms at Nelson Park, he put hours, and hours, and hours of work into that," says Tony.
"He then went on to be [Rovers] Club Captain for ten years and he never missed a game. He used to meet every bus of visitors at the gate and welcome them. When we moved to Park Island he was the main campaigner and building manager for putting all this together.

"It's amazing what Phil has done for the club over the years."

An emotional Phil stood on the pitch at Bluewater Stadium as he recounted his memories of undertaking the building of the facility more than 30 years ago.
"I remember the day the roof went on the top of the stadium there. What a feeling that was. And I remember making the bleachers, months and months they took. I could do all that stuff because I was a builder, but it was the many, many people that helped, that's what makes this place special," says Phil.

"This club to me is the ultimate, apart from West Ham," jokes Phil.

"I want to thank all the people, and there's several of them still here, who helped me build this club. Every Saturday for nine years we done working bees. Every Saturday without fail."

"This club is so strong. You can see that in the people around you."

Phil is moving to Taupo in the New Year with his partner Sally Cann. The move will allow the couple to be closer to Sally's daughter.
The good news is we're not losing Phil for good, he's too much of a stalwart. He promises to be back on some Central League days to cheer on the Boys in Blue. We wish you both lots of love and happiness in your new home and look forward to seeing you back in your football home on game days.