Alleged child sexual abuse victims by Phil Edwards, Watford FC’s former youth and first-team physiotherapist, claim the club is attempting to sweep the allegations “under the carpet”.
The Football Association recently published its findings from an independent review looking into the history of child sexual abuse in football.
Mr Edwards was among the abusers listed under the review, but vague details in the 710-page publication were reported as Watford’s investigations are ongoing.
He was a key member of the backroom staff at Watford FC in the 1990s before he left in 1998. He died aged 60 in July 2019, a month after he was arrested on suspicion of abusing a teenager.
As investigations continue, Hertfordshire Constabulary received 18 allegations against Mr Edwards, while the independent review reveals Watford’s investigations received 21 complaints – and at least 12 of these incidents were while Mr Edwards was associated with Watford.
The report, overseen by Clive Sheldon QC, reveals Edwards’ alleged abuse included asking players to remove all clothing during "treatment" – which resulted in players squatting naked and Mr Edwards touching a boy’s penis.
Mr Edwards was allegedly commonly referred by some around the club as "Paedo Phil" and he was also allegedly known to bring some boys to his home and ask them to perform sexual acts with an adapted stuffed toy.
The Sheldon Report concluded that he is “satisfied” that the club is “diligently investigating” the allegations, and that despite delays from the pandemic the Head of Safeguarding will follow up all relevant lines of enquiry.
But in an open letter published through The Athletic on behalf of four victims, the survivors stated their disappointment with Watford’s investigation progress.
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They said that there were “no updates” from the investigation team, and that Watford “didn’t even have the courtesy” to contact the victims before the Sheldon Report was released.
The letter stated: “Watford has let all of the survivors down all over again. They are the only club featured in the report that has failed to conclude their investigations. They say their investigations have been hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic. However in an age where virtual interviews have become the norm, we cannot accept this vague excuse.”
The letter concluded by asking for an apology for not only failing to protect the victims from Mr Edwards, but also for failing to complete their investigations.
Following the publication of the report, Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association, said: "Today, the report details some of your accounts together. However, I apologise for the fact that your stories were not heard a long time ago.
"You deserved to be heard and to be given answers, a long time before today. An investigation should have been done when accusations were first made in the 1990s.
"And, to English football, I say. This has to be a critical moment for us. We must do everything we can to ensure that we learn the lessons, and never see a repeat of this abuse."
Watford FC told The Athletic they are fully co-operating with police and have complied with their obligations to refer the allegations to the FA, Premier League and Sheldon report.
The club added that affected individuals have been “provided with guidance and signposting to support services” and that the club is “fully committed” to providing the support and assistance to anyone who contacts them regarding the allegations.
Anyone affected by the incidents, or anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Watford’s leading investigator into the case, Kim Pearce, at kim.pearce@watfordfc.com or 07876 786910.
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