Phil Coleman

Attended Roan Grammar School, Blackheath winning the English Schools FA cup in 1977, aged 16, scoring in a 4–1 victory. He began his career in the youth ranks of Millwall, where he played as a defender and midfielder, notably scoring one of two Millwall goals in the 1979 FA Youth Cup Final win against Manchester City. He made his first senior appearance for Millwall in a 2–1 win v West Ham aged 18, turning professional in August 1978. In 1981 Colchester United manager Bobby Roberts signed Coleman from Millwall for a fee of £15,000. He went on to play for Wrexham, Exeter, Aldershot before returning to Millwall for a second spell playing alongside his brother Nick in a division two winning team. A season playing in Finland before returning for a second spell at Colchester United under manager Jock Wallace.

After retiring from playing Coleman trained to be a PE teacher, receiving a BA Honours degree in Sport and Education from Middlesex University. He also served as a player then player/manager for Wivenhoe Town and has also coached at Colchester United's youth academy, and non league clubs Clacton, Heybridge and Braintree. Coleman retired as a PE teacher after 33 years having taught at The Gilberd School, The Colne Community School and finally at Philip Morant and Sigma Sixth Sports Academy. After 7 years as a City Councillor he left in May 2023. His son, Liam Coleman, also played professional football.