IT was with great sadness that I learned of the tragic death of Phil Elliott, the former chief executive of York Wasps RLFC.

In early 1998, Phil offered me the post of general manager at York Wasps, an offer and an appointment I was honoured to accept.

The 1998 season proved to be extremely successful on the field with the club coming second in division two and thus gaining promotion.

Off the field, it was a year of continuous financial problems. The decision by the bank to withdraw the club's overdraft facility was a crushing blow, but Phil took it all in his stride.

He used his tremendous business skills and acumen to negotiate a way through. He also put quite a substantial amount of his own money in to keep the club going and I think it is fair to say that without the cash from Phil and the then chairman, the late Trevor Cox, the club would have gone under.

With promotion secured and a large payment from News Corporation expected, Phil put together a detailed financial plan which would undoubtedly have secured the club's future.

Unfortunately, Phil's Way Forward paper was rejected by the board of directors and he resigned. There is no doubt in my mind that the rejection of this plan was a major factor in the demise of York Wasps.

I consider it a privilege and a pleasure to have known and to have worked with Phil Elliott. He was a man of tremendous integrity and honesty and rugby league has lost a great friend.

Mick Scaife, Thirsk