Phil Handford played for Exeter City in a midweek afternoon friendly against Bristol Rovers in April 1986. Formerly with Gillingham and Wimbledon, he went on to appear for Maidstone United and several other Kent clubs. 

Starting as a Gillingham apprentice in 1980, he made 32 league appearances for his local club before making seven league appearances for Wimbledon in 1984/85. Also playing on loan in Finland for Koparit, he had just spent a similar spell with Crewe when he arrived at Exeter a short while ahead of being released from Wimbledon. 

Although he performed well during his time at St James’ Park, no contract offer was forthcoming and he went on to play for Maidstone, Welling, Sittingbourne, Erith & Belvedere and Margate.