Phil Beal was born in Godstone, Surrey in 1945. He played for Surrey boys and England Youth before signing as an amateur for Tottenham Hotspur in 1960 and became a professional at the club in 1962.
He made his debut against Aston Villa in 1963, and went on to make 16 appearances that season. By the start of the following season Danny Branchflower had retired with Phil taking on the right half position. With the team in transition, he only made eight appearances that season.
The versatile player filled a variety of defensive positions and featured in 21 matches in 1965–66, started in 26 games in 1966–67, but did not feature in the 1967 FA Cup Final because of an injury. By the late 1960s he had fully established himself in the side and consistently showed his calm, authoritative and composed style.
Phil played in both League Cup winning sides against Aston Villa in 1970-71 and Norwich City in 1972-73. He played in both matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1972 UEFA Cup Final in which he collected a winners’ medal, and in both legs of the 1974 UEFA Cup Final against Feyenoord.
Phil finished his career with Spurs in 1975 and had made 420 appearances including three as substitute in all competitions.
After leaving Spurs he played for Brighton & Hove Albion from 1975 to 1977. He then moved to the United States to play football.