Silver City has lost a bit of its sparkle with the passing of former Somerset Trojans striker Vivian “Tony” Philpott.

Philpott, who was an integral member of Trojans’ all-conquering team that won the triple crown — comprising of the league title, FA Cup and Friendship Trophy — three years on the trot in the 1960s, died earlier this week after a long illness. He was 80.

The Sandys Parish resident, known as “Quick Silver” and well-known taxi driver started his career in humble settings at White Hill Field with Somerset Eagles before joining West End Rovers and eventually Somerset Trojans after the two latter clubs amalgamated in the mid-Sixties. He also represented Bermuda on the international stage.

“He was a good all-round player who understood the game,” Conrad Symonds, the former Trojans coach, said.

Former Trojans striker, Lionel “Baldy” Smith, who had the privilege of being mentored by Philpott at West Rovers and playing alongside of him at Trojans, described his late colleague as a “well-respected man” and a team player “who took the game seriously”.

“Tony was appreciated by everyone at the club and I was very hurt when I found out he had died,” said Smith, as he struggled to hold back the tears. “He was a great player and coach of mine who was very serious about everybody playing together.

“He was a well-respected man, always willing to help anybody at any time, and he helped a lot of our young players like Larry Hunt.”

Marc Bean, the president of Somerset Bridge Recreation Club, added: “Mr Philpott was a long serving Somerset Bridge stalwart who gave his time and effort to build the community and make it what it was in its glory days.

“On behalf of the club and community I offer my deepest condolences to the entire Philpott family.”

Some of those who played against the late footballer also paid tribute to the pacey striker.

“Tony Philpott was one of our great footballers,” Cal “Bummy” Symonds, the former Key West Rangers and PHC Zebras striker, said. “He was a prolific scorer as a striker who kept the ball close to his feet. He had excellent ball control and was a master of running off the ball.

“I played alongside Tony in one game up at Somerset against two Bermuda Football League selects and I think he scored two of the three goals that day.”

Dennis Wainwright, the former Flatts Tigers, Wellington Rovers and Young Men’s Social Club goalkeeper, also spoke highly of his late rival.

“Tony was very quick, very quick and he was a colourful player because he had a little height to him and moved about the forward line,” Wainwright said. “He just didn’t stand still in any one position and it took a bit to mark him because he was always on the move and was very fast.

“He had the ability and a good head, which was pretty common in those days with forwards.

“Comparing him with today’s forwards, you do not see the type of aggression in the air that he displayed. He was an outstanding player who gave a lot of goalkeepers a hard time.”