Philson is therunning man

The former captain is running in this Sunday’s Berlin marathon in aid of Bone Cancer Research Trust and he’s looking for people to sponsor him.

The 38-year-old, has been putting in the miles in preparation for this weekend’s marathon in the German capital.

“I started training for it in February to give myself plenty of time. I’ve had a programme to fill, I’ve done a couple of half-marathons to get a bit of experience.

“I’m combining long runs and short runs and I’m probably as fit now as I was 10 years ago.

“I was always told by Paul Kee to play as long as I can, that you miss playing when you retire. I’ve been fortunate with injuries so I want to keep playing as long as I can.”

The former Linfield man, who made more than 200 appearances for his hometown club, plans to resurrect his career, possibly with a move into the Amateur League.

“I was playing with Dollingstown last year but due to work commitments I couldn’t play as much as I wanted to,” he said.

“And this year, I haven’t signed for anybody yet because I’m training for the marathon and I’ve chatted to a few different junior clubs who are looking that wee bit of experience.

“But I was reluctant to play at the minute because of the marathon as I didn’t want to get injured because I’ve did some fundraising for it.”

Philson also admits his best playing days was with ’Stute.

“Institute, had just got brought into the First Division and they were trying to sign players to compete at that level and Paul Kee reached an agreement with David Jeffrey that if I would be released.

“So I went to ’Stute and was part of that team that got promoted and we did really well in our first couple of years in the Premier League, finishing in the top six.”

You can sponsor Graeme by going to, in aid of Bone Cancer Research Trust, visit the JustGiving website and search ‘Philsy’s Berlin Marathon’.