Phil Thomas

Phil would have been a professional footballer had it not been for a lack of ability, fitness, and dedication, so went into journalism instead. He has been on the staff since 1995, having also worked for the Warrington Guardian, Racing Post, Daily Star and The Sport. Initially he joined as the Rugby League reporter, then branched into football, and spent nearly 15 years as The Sun’s Merseyside man, covering – amongst other things – the 2005 Istanbul Champions League final. The souvenir fez still fits. For the past five years he has also covered all the major horse racing events, including the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National and Derby. And of course he dresses like a penguin every June to report on Royal Ascot. Highlights include Rachael Blackmore becoming the first female Grand National winner and nearly flattening a heavily pregnant Zara Phillips when rushing into the parade wing at Cheltenham. That could be why he is still waiting for the MBE.