Phillips heading to Southampton
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Article summary
Southampton FC have completed the signing of striker Kevin Phillips from Sunderland AFC in a reported €4.6m deal.
Article body
Chairman pleased
The England forward agreed personal terms with Southampton this morning, having passed a medical yesterday. Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We are delighted to confirm that Kevin Phillips will be joining us. It has taken a lot of careful negotiation but we have stuck to our guns and ended up with a quality player who will make a big difference to us."
Great record
Phillips, who was top scorer in the Premiership in 1999/00 with 30 goals for Sunderland, is set to link up with James Beattie, who was a key man as Southampton qualified for the 2003/04 UEFA Cup by reaching the FA Cup final in May. He has reportedly taken a 50 per cent wage cut to secure the move.
Back again
The 30-year-old Phillips, who has eight England caps, became available after being unable to help Sunderland avoid relegation to the first division last season. He is a former Southampton apprentice who played out of position as a left-back at the club 12 years ago.