Tottenham’s pursuit of centre-back is now at risk of collapsing – Journalist claims
Phillips broke into Blackburn’s senior side last season, making a total of 14 appearances across all competitions for the Championship side.
The 18-year-old is considered by many to be one of the most promising defensive talents
in his age group across the country, with the teenager also having impressed in his
outings for England’s Under-19s.
It was reported by The Daily Mirror’s James Nursey on Tuesday Tottenham were looking
to take advantage of Blackburn’s financial cut-backs by landing the centre back on the cheap.
This was also backed up by Alasdair Gold, who subsequently said
via Football.London that Spurs are expected to finalise Phillips’ capture in a deal worth around £3m.
The journalist added that the centre-back is expected to board a flight to join Ange
Postecoglou‘s senior squad in Asia after signing on the dotted line.
Tottenham’s Phillips deal is now under threat
However, if Nixon’s latest update is t be believed, Tottenham’s move for Phillips could be set to collapse.
The reporter explains that the youngster already completed his medical at Hotspur Way
but the Lilywhites are yet to meet Blackburn’s valuation for the defender.
The Lancashire club are demanding a fee of £5m plus add-ons for their academy
graduate while there is also a disagreement on the wording of a release clause in the player’s contract.
Spurs Web Opinion
Phillips appears to have all the raw materials one looks for in a modern-day centre-back,
being good in the air, technically adept with both feet and having a decent turn of pace.
However, there is no guarantee that he would fulfil his potential at the highest level and
Tottenham might hesitate to pay £5m-plus for a player with only a handful of
Championship appearances.
READ MORE:
‘I used to play up front for Blackburn Rovers – but I’m an unrecognisable decorator now’
A career in professional football doesn’t last for ever.
At some point, every player must think about what to with their lives once the glory
ends. Some choose a career in coaching, others decide to quit football altogether.
Yet Blackburn Rovers legend Simon Garner, who remains the club’s record scorer, had
other ideas.
Now 63, Garner works as a decorator during the day and a football commentator
for BBC Radio Lancashire at night. It took the ex-prolific striker a while to decide on his
next career path, but he eventually found the answer at the bottom of a pot of paint.
Garner is an icon to thousands of Blackburn fans of a certain age. He scored a record 194
goals for the Lancashire club during a 14-year spell, 64 more than the great Alan
Shearer managed at Ewood Park during the 90s. That is some achievement
Born in the Lincolnshire town of Boston, Garner graduated from Blackburn’s academy in
1978 and played an important role in firing them back to the top flight in 1992 for the
inaugural Premier League campaign. He left Ewood Park that year – handing the baton
on to Shearer – but he continued to score goals for the likes of West Brom and Wycombe.
Garner spent time working as a postman and even managed council houses for former
Wycombe owner Steve Hayes before deciding to pick up a paint brush. A friend offered
him the chance to become a decorator following a pub conversation.
“Fortunately, this guy gave me the job, taught me the ropes, and after eight months I
went on my own,” Garner told The Sun in 2019. Running his own business in Cookham,
Berkshire, allows Garner to pick his own hours and keep his commentary job.
Blackburn fans will hope Garner stays on airwaves for years to come. Although Rovers
currently play in the Championship, they have achieved significant success since
Garner’s exit – winning the Premier League title and League Cup. They’ve also played in
Europe seven times since 1992, including a stint in the Champions League in 1995.
Yet supporters have never forgotten Garner’s contribution. In 2019, he was inducted into
Blackburn’s Hall of Fame alongside six other club heroes – including Shearer and
legendary Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
“It’s been a truly memorable night for this inaugural Hall of Fame event,” said
Blackburn’s chief executive Steve Waggott. “The range of the first seven inductees
perfectly encapsulated the great and rich history of this wonderful football club.
“It was an evening where the audience shared in the laughter, tears and high emotion of
the evening, with the atmosphere in the room being electric as each player’s story was
told, creating many unforgettable memories for all of us lucky enough to be there.”
As well as decorating and commentating, Garner also works as an after dinner speaker
– delighting fans with stories from his playing days. He’s also planning on releasing a
new book later this year, two decades after publishing his first autobiography.
Garner may look unrecognisable with paint splatted on his fleece, but his career path
allows him to be his own boss and stay closely connected to his one true footballing love,
Blackburn Rovers. That is priceless.
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