Coyle wants Blackpool’s Phillips

Bolton manager Owen Coyle is hoping to sign Blackpool’s Matt Phillips in the January transfer window.

Phillips, 20, joined Blackpool on the final day of the summer transfer window in 2010. Fighting off interest from Bristol City, Blackpool signed Phillips for an initial £350,000, although add-ons meant that the actual figure would be closer to £700,000.

Phillips’ Blackpool career started with a bang as he came on as a substitute against North-West rivals Blackburn and scored within minutes of entering the field. Unfortunately that proved to be Phillips’ only goal of the season, although he did go on to make 27 Premier League appearances which put his career on a good footing.

Phillips fell out of favour at Blackpool temporarily and so he was loaned to Sheffield United in order to play regular competitive football on what was an initial one-month loan. Phillips found sensational form at Brammall Lane and scored 5 goals in 6 appearances. Despite Sheffield United’s wishes, Phillips returned to Blackpool full of confidence.

Phillips has carried on his good form in the Championship and has netted 4 in 14 League appearances. Phillips is also a great outlet for the team as his direct running and fantastic crossing ability supplies goals regularly for his teammate.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway is loath to break up his squad as he bids to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Languishing around the play-offs he may be able to fend off Premier League interest in his player temporarily, but surely Phillips’ future in the game lies away from Bloomfield Road.

Posted by DanB on January 25, 2012. Filed under Blackpool, Bolton, FA Barclays Premiership, NPower Championship. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.