There haven’t been many players in Blackpool colours recently who have split the fans opinion quite as much as Matthew Phillips. Most players normally divide the fans when they have left the club, with the likes of DJ Campbell creating hostility amongst the ranks of Blackpool supporters as to whether or not he will be looked on favourably for his efforts in Tangerine, or anger with regards to the manner of his departure. For others, read Peter Clarke, Wes Hoolahan, Kaspars Gorkss, Charlie Adam.
For Phillips, however, the fans debate seems to be squarely aimed at whether or not he should be given the run in the first eleven that Ian Holloway is giving him. Certainly, during his loan spell at Sheffield United, which yielded 5 goals in 6 games, including a brace in a 4-2 win at Deepdale, the Tangerine masses were questioning why Phillips was being allowed to ply his trade elsewhere while his parent club were struggling for results.
Phillips, along with Billy Clarke, returned filled with confidence, but also with heightened expectations from those who looked purely at the stats. He started brightly, setting up Jonjo Shelvey’s late equaliser at Middlesbrough in his first appearance back in a Blackpool shirt. He has since started every game, and only a fool wouldn’t realise that Phillips is slowly readjusting to the system that should suit him down to the ground.
Those who agree with Holloway and think he should remain in the starting eleven will say that at times he is unplayable. He caused mountains of problems for the best defence in the country when Blackpool visited Manchester City last season, almost earned a point single-handedly in the controversial defeat at Aston Villa, turned the game at Sunderland in Blackpool’s favour with a series of jinking runs, and who can forget his magnificent goal with his first touch on debut against Blackburn Rovers.
But there is a counter-argument, which is played out regularly among the fans, which says that those flashes of brilliance have to be complimented with consistent displays, and when not playing well, still contributing to the team. However, in the first half of the season, while Phillips has been at Bloomfield Road, he hasn’t produced. Being too occupied with defensive work to become an attacking threat, almost scared to run with the ball, and when in on goal, can be counted on to fluff his lines.
There is, however, cause for hope. Phillips is undoubtedly one of the best prospects outside the top division, and there is no doubt that if he does fulfil his clear and massive potential, then international honours will be a part of Phillips career. He needs to improve his end product. Far too often his final ball isn’t good enough, and when given the chance to score, he will tend to either try and leave it to someone else, or make a complete mess of the chance.
Great things can be expected of Phillips between now and the end of the season, and even beyond then, as he is showing signs that he is beginning to settle back into the side at Bloomfield Road. Against Reading at the weekend, he used his pace to good effect, giving aging full back Ian Harte a tough time, albeit not as tough as he could in the first half, before being switched to a more central role in the second half, closer to the position he played at Sheffield United, which allowed him to get on the ball and cause mischief.
It was that mischief that led to the Seasiders’ winning goal on Saturday. Phillips gathered possession just outside the centre circle in his own half, made himself some space to run at the Reading back four. Shaun Cummings backed off, allowing Phillips to move towards the edge of the penalty area, despite anger from Phillips’ critics for not releasing Callum McManaman, waited, before playing in McManaman in for the on-loan striker to score.
Phillips is learning, and is growing in confidence, which is something that he clearly thrives on. The experiment of turning him in to a wingback last season did not work, although it has given him a defensive perspective which helps Neal Eardley with his job, allowing him to drive on down the line, knowing that Phillips is quick enough and good enough to cover him. To get the best out of him, it seems, you have to allow him to stand out wide, feed him possession and let him terrorise his full back. During games in the Premiership last season, he hugged the touchline and caused problems cutting inside. This season, Holloway seems to be giving him more responsibility on the pitch, and it could well be taking away from his natural game.
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