Town fan Phil Coppeard has been confirmed as among those who died during the Christchurch earthquake. Phil, 41, had only recently emigrated to New Zealand with his wife Suzanne Craig.

Originally from Newmarket, Phil had been missing since leaving to travel to Canterbury University where he had just started studying for a Master's in economics and was in the centre of Christchurch at the time of the quake.

In a statement, the family said: "He was a very generous spirit, always keen to be involved in the community and charity events. His death is a tragedy at the start of an exciting new life in New Zealand.

"We take comfort in the support we've had from family and friends throughout the world - he touched so many lives."

Jon Craig, the Supporters’ Club’s overseas branch co-ordinator, was a friend of Phil’s and told TWTD last week: “Phil was one of our regular gang and had a ten-year season ticket when the debentures were being sold in 2003.

“He moved from London to work in Dubai around five years ago and donated his season ticket - completely free of charge - to the North of England Branch.

“We sold the season ticket at a discount to our members and the sums raised from its sale were a major contributor towards funds used to sponsor Jordan Rhodes and thereafter Ronan Murray.

“Phil posted on TWTD many times, mainly around the period 1999 to 2006 under the name Cambridge8.”

Prior to moving to New Zealand for a career break, Phil worked as a chartered accountant at KPMG and then in aviation finance for Babcock Brown in London and Dubai for around 10 years.

Town are auctioning a shirt worn by Tommy Smith and signed by his team-mates to raise money for the Red Cross's New Zealand Earthquake Appeal.

Photo: Action Images

siralfstrackie added 13:09 - Mar 8 My thoughts go out to all Phil's family and friends, and to those of all victims of this terrible disaster. I would like to see the club acknowledge this loss, but I think a minutes applause might be more appropriate than a minutes silence. http://www.redcross.org.nz/donate
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blue_em_away added 14:15 - Mar 8 RIP Phill My thoughts are for you Suzanne and your family. Very sad.
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thebeat added 16:57 - Mar 8 RIP Fellow Blue
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WREXHAM_BLUE added 12:54 - Mar 9 Very sad. RIP.
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