Phil Wheatley - nominated by Melville United.

"Melville United club captain Phil Wheatley - or Big Phil as he is more commonly known in Waikato football - is perhaps the most enduring personality at Gower Park.

"Big Phil is the club’s long-serving bar manager, executive committee member and life member, after first joining the original Melville AFC club as an 8-year-old from Deanwell Primary in 1976.

"He had seven years out from 1998-2005 when living in the UK, but upon his return immediately took up the post of club captain, having previously served on the club committee from the late 1980s onwards.

"In 1985 he was Melville’s youth player of the year, but his main contribution to the club has been with his off-field contributions.

"Every weekend he runs the Gower Park bar on Saturdays and Sundays, is the club liaison person on Sundays and fulfills numerous other duties.

"His XXXL build also makes him the ideal person for collecting fines, and overdue subs.

"In 2010 he was named a life member of Melville United. He has been named Club Person of the Year five times.

"His on-field ability is less revered these days, though he still turns out for Melville Old Boys where he was recently quite a topic of conversation when he he took a penalty, scored, but in the process somehow injured himself and had to be assisted from the pitch.

"For Melville he is the ultimate unsung club hero."

Phil receives a $75 meal voucher from The Keg Room.

Does your club have an Unsung Hero you think should be given recognition? Contact dwayne.b@waibop.co.nz with a summary of why (and a photo) and we'll feature them in this weekly series.

WaiBOP Football is acknowledging the people who make the clubs around our region tick. They may organise the gear, keep your grounds in shape, run the bar, drive the bus, coordinate teamsor, more than likely, do all of those things and more...without ever asking for a word of thanks. Our weekly Unsung Hero winner will receive a meal voucher in recognition of their contribution.