By Jemma Tappenden
December 8 2007

At 34 years of age, striker Kevin Phillips shows no signs of slowing down. A popular figure at the Hawthorns, Phillips netted two of the four goals that stunned Ipswich last weekend, both in second half injury time. We take a look at the popular striker here on Astle Central.

Kevin Phillips was born Hertfordshire on the 25^th July 1973.  He started his career at non-league semi professional Baldock Town, after being released from Southampton after being told he lacked the physique of a striker.  Playing initially at right back, his potential and eye for goal were quickly noted by the non-league side, and after being trialled as a centre forward enjoyed huge goal scoring success that saw Baldock move to the top of the table, and enjoy success in the FA Trophy.  It was not long before he caught the eye of football league clubs, and was soon snapped up by Watford.

 

Then manager, Glenn Roeder, bagged Phillips for the modest sum of £10,000.  He quickly continued his goal scoring run, after being forced straight into the Watford side due to injuries.  He was soon plagued by injury himself, and in the 1995-96 season was limited to only four goals after missing substantial time with a foot injury.  At the end of the 1995-96 season Phillips moved to Sunderland for a fee of £600,000, after a move to Ipswich Town fell through.

 

Phillips’ time at Sunderland bought him mass success and recognition.  He soon became a goal scoring legend, earning himself the nickname ‘Super Kev’.  He struck fear into the defences of teams in any division he played in.  Phillips equalled Sunderland’s club record of scoring in seven consecutive league games, and also became the first Sunderland player since Brian Clough to net more than 30 goals in a season.  Phillips hit 35 goals that season in all competitions.

 

After Sunderland’s promotion to the Premiership, many pundits predicted that Phillips would not be good enough.  One Newcastle fanzine even issued a list of reasons why Sunderland would be relegated.  Kevin Phillips name was on there.  Claiming that Phillips would struggle to score six goals that season, Rodney Marsh had egg on his face when Phillips bagged three against Newcastle United.  He had in fact reached his six goal target by mid September.  By mid January he had hit 20, and by the time of the seasons end it was 30.  Sunderland finished 7^th in the Premiership table. 

 

The following season Phillips managed 14 goals, helping Sunderland along to another 7^th place finish.  Unfortunately his last two seasons at Sunderland were not quite so fruitful.  Sunderland’s gradual top flight decline saw Phillips leave in the summer of 2003 for Southampton, in a move worth £3 million.  In his prime he is said to have been valued at 6 times this amount, but a cash strapped Sunderland grabbed all Southampton had to offer.

 

He had been linked with a move back to Sunderland in 2006 after a brief spell at Villa, but moved to Midlands side West Bromwich Albion, a move which brought him closer to his family.  This was ill received by some Sunderland fans, but his reception at the Hawthorns was more than welcoming.  Phillips continues to be a popular player amongst many Albion fans.