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Matt Phillips
Matt Phillips
Matt Phillips
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Matthew Phillips (born 13 March 1991) is a professional footballer who plays for Stevenage. He can play as a winger, forward or left wing-back.

Key Information

Born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, to a Jamaican-born father of Barbadian descent and a Scottish mother, Phillips began his career at Wycombe Wanderers before a move to Blackpool, spending a spell on loan at Sheffield United. In 2013 he moved to Queens Park Rangers and in 2016 he signed for West Bromwich Albion, where he played for eight seasons before signing for Oxford United in 2024.

He represented England at under-19 and under-20 level but has subsequently represented Scotland at senior level.

Club career

[edit]

Wycombe Wanderers

[edit]

Phillips signed for Wycombe Wanderers at the age of eight when he was spotted playing in a five-a-side tournament. Having progressed through Wycombe's junior sides, he made his first team debut as an 82nd-minute substitute, a month after his seventeenth birthday, on 26 April 2008 in a 1–0 defeat to Notts County, the penultimate game of the 2007–08 season.[4] His first start came a week later in the 2–1 win over Bradford City at Adams Park,[5] in which he was voted man of the match by the Wycombe supporters.[citation needed]

After breaking into the first team during the previous season, Phillips signed his first professional contract in July 2008, a year before the end of his youth team scholarship. His first goal for the Chairboys came on 10 November 2008 in the 4–1 away win over AFC Wimbledon in the First round of the 2008–09 FA Cup.[6] His first league goal came on 6 December in the 3–2 away defeat to Aldershot Town.[7]

Phillips went on to make a massive contribution to the Chairboys promotion from League Two in the 2008–09 season, becoming a regular on either the left or right wing, impressing with his ability to take on defenders and to cut inside. He was also won the club's two "Young Player of the Year" awards at the end of the season as well as the League Two "Apprentice of the Year".[8] Phillips was given the number 18 shirt for the 2009–10 season and continued his good form from the previous season, playing on either flank. In total, Phillips made 87 league and cup appearances for Wycombe, scoring nine goals.[9]

Blackpool

[edit]

Phillips signed for Premier League club Blackpool on 31 August 2010 in an original £350,000 deal, rising to £700,000 for achieving specific criteria.[10] Manager Ian Holloway stated that he had been tracking Phillips for "a long time", saying of him, "Young Matty looked really exciting at times. He was skipping past people like they weren't there and now I've got to get him in our shape and working within it. He is definitely one for not only the long-term future but the immediate future. I am getting quite excited about what he might be able to produce."[11]

Phillips' first team debut came on 25 September in the 2–1 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers. Phillips came on as a substitute in the 84th minute, making an instant impact, scoring his first ever Premier League goal just seconds later.[12][13] After the match Ian Holloway praised Phillips saying, "I thought he was terrific. He's only 19 and he's someone who I think will have a good future. He played in a different role and smacked one in like that. Hopefully there is a lot, lot more to come from that boy because he has got some bits and pieces that would grace any level of football."[14] Of his debut and goal Phillips said: "I've dreamt of playing in the Premier League since I was a kid, so to play Premier League football is one thing, but to go out there and make a mark on it is another, so I'm delighted."[15] He made his full-debut against Aston Villa at Villa Park, a performance which led manager Ian Holloway to describe him as "at times un-markable".[16]

After a successful spell on loan at Sheffield United, Phillips scored a hat-trick in Blackpool's Boxing Day 3–1 victory at Barnsley.[17] He scored another hat-trick two weeks later, this time against Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup third round.[18] Later that month Blackpool rejected a bid from Cardiff City, believed to be around £800,000, for the winger.[19]

In the week before the start of the 2012–13 season Blackpool rejected a £5 million bid for Phillips from newly promoted Premier League side Southampton. He then put in a transfer request, and after being left out of the opening day victory over Millwall on 18 August, he returned to action three days later, scoring the winning goal in a 2–1 home victory over Leeds United.[20][21]

Sheffield United (loan)

[edit]

With first-team opportunities proving limited, Phillips agreed a months loan to Sheffield United in October 2011,[22] making his début in the Steel City Derby a few days later. Phillips had a major impact in his month spell, scoring six goals in six appearances for the South Yorkshire club before returning to Bloomfield Road.[23]

Queens Park Rangers

[edit]

On 23 August 2013, Phillips signed for Queens Park Rangers on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee[24] and was handed the number 7 shirt.[25] He made his debut for the club on 14 September, coming on as a first-half substitute for Junior Hoilett against Birmingham City. He scored his first goal for Queens Park Rangers on 3 December, netting the final goal in a 3–0 win over Bournemouth. His second goal for the club came eleven days later, when he scored the first in a 2–0 win over his former club Blackpool.[26] His third goal was an equaliser against Doncaster Rovers in a league match at Loftus Road which QPR went on to win 2–1.[27] Phillips suffered a broken leg against Burnley on 1 February 2014 which ruled him out for the remainder of the season, however QPR won promotion in the 2014 Championship play-off final against Derby County.[28][29]

Phillips was fit again for QPR's first game back in the Premier League, a 1-0 loss at home to Hull City.[30] He struggled for game time initially but played almost every minute in the league after the resignation of Harry Redknapp on 3 February 2015. On 14 March, Phillips scored "a goal of the season contender" from 40 yards out in a 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace.[31]

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

On 6 July 2016, Phillips joined Premier League side West Bromwich Albion on a four-year deal.[32] Phillips got his first league goal in a win against reigning Premier League Champions Leicester City. He finished the game with an assist and the winning goal in the 2–1 win.[33] Phillips continued his goal scoring exploits in the next game against Burnley F.C. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute and also set up a goal for Albion captain Darren Fletcher, helping the team to establish a 3–0 first half lead,[34] in a game which ended as a 4–0 win. On 31 December he scored and set up Hal Robson-Kanu's first Albion goal in a 2–1 win over Southampton.[35] He set up more goals for Chris Brunt and Gareth McAuley in a 3–1 win over Hull which took his tally up to 8 assists for the season.[36]

On 5 August 2021, Phillips signed a contract extension until the summer of 2024.[37] On 22 May 2024, the club announced he would be leaving in the summer when his contract expired.[38]

Oxford United

[edit]

On 1 August 2024, Phillips signed for newly promoted Championship club Oxford United on a free transfer.[39] On 13 August, Phillips made his debut for the club, as well as scoring his first goal, in a 2–0 win against Peterborough United in the EFL Cup.

On 2 February 2026, Phillips left Oxford by mutual consent.[40]

Stevenage

[edit]

On 13 February 2026, Phillips signed for Stevenage for the remainder of the season.[41]

International career

[edit]

In May 2010, after initially being named as a standby, Phillips was called into the England under-19 squad for their upcoming European Championship Elite qualifying round matches.[42] On 26 May he made his debut against the Republic of Ireland, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute for Jacob Mellis.[43] Two days later he made his full debut and scored his first international goal in his next game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.[44] In July 2010 Phillips was named in England's 18-man squad for the European Under-19 Championship. He scored a final-minute equaliser against France to send England through to the semi-finals of the tournament.[45]

In February 2011, Phillips made his debut for the England under-20s in a 2–1 defeat to France.[46] In June 2011, he was named in England's 21-man squad for the Under-20 World Cup.[47] He started all three of England's group stage games plus their final-16 game, a 1–0 loss to Nigeria.[citation needed]

In January 2012, it was suggested that Scotland manager Craig Levein had been monitoring Phillips' progress, due to his eligibility through Phillips' Scottish grandparents.[48] In February 2012, Levein duly called Phillips up to the Scotland squad to face Slovenia in a friendly;[49] however, Phillips had to withdraw after suffering a hamstring injury.[50]

Phillips finally made his Scotland debut in a 5–1 friendly loss to the United States on 26 May 2012 at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida.[51] He made his next appearance for Scotland on 16 October 2012 in a World Cup qualifier, coming on as a substitute in the 79th minute in a 2–0 defeat away against Belgium.[52]

In March 2018 Phillips scored his first and only Scotland goal, a second-half strike in a friendly match away to Hungary to win the tie 1-0.[53]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 7 March 2025[54]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Wycombe Wanderers 2007–08[55] League Two 2 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 3 0
2008–09[56] League Two 37 3 2 1 0 0 1[b] 0 40 4
2009–10[57] League One 36 5 2 0 1 0 1[b] 0 40 5
2010–11[58] League Two 3 0 — 1 0 — 4 0
Total 78 8 4 1 2 0 3 0 87 9
Blackpool 2010–11[58] Premier League 27 1 1 0 — — 28 1
2011–12[59] Championship 33 7 3 4 0 0 3[c] 1 39 12
2012–13[60] Championship 34 4 0 0 1 0 — 35 4
Total 94 12 4 4 1 0 3 1 102 17
Sheffield United (loan) 2011–12[59] League One 6 5 — — 1[b] 1 7 6
Queens Park Rangers 2013–14[61] Championship 21 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 22 3
2014–15[62] Premier League 25 3 1 0 1 0 — 27 3
2015–16[63] Championship 44 8 0 0 1 0 — 45 8
Total 90 14 2 0 2 0 0 0 94 14
West Bromwich Albion 2016–17[64] Premier League 27 4 1 1 1 0 — 29 5
2017–18[65] Premier League 30 2 2 0 2 1 — 34 3
2018–19[66] Championship 30 5 0 0 1 0 2[d] 0 33 5
2019–20[67] Championship 39 7 2 1 0 0 — 41 8
2020–21[68] Premier League 33 2 0 0 2 0 — 35 2
2021–22[69] Championship 28 3 1 0 0 0 — 29 3
2022–23[70] Championship 25 2 1 0 2 0 — 28 2
2023–24[71] Championship 26 3 0 0 0 0 0[e] 0 26 3
Total 238 28 7 2 8 1 2 0 255 31
Oxford United 2024–25[72] Championship 22 0 1 1 1 1 — 24 2
Career total 528 67 18 8 14 2 9 2 569 79
  1. ^ Appearance in League Two play-offs
  2. ^ a b c Appearance in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  5. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs

International

[edit]
As of match played 9 September 2019[73]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Scotland 2012 2 0
2016 2 0
2017 5 0
2018 5 1
2019 2 0
Total 16 1

International goals

[edit]
As of match played 27 March 2018. Scotland score listed first, score column indicates score after each Phillips goal.[73]
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 27 March 2018 Groupama Arena, Budapest, Hungary 11  Hungary 1–0 1–0 Friendly

Honours

[edit]

Individual

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Matt Phillips

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew Phillips (born 13 March 1991) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a winger for club Oxford United. Born in , , , Phillips is eligible to represent through his mother and made his international debut for the national team in a friendly match against the on 26 May 2012, going on to earn 16 caps and score one goal during his career. Phillips began his professional career at Wycombe Wanderers, joining their youth setup at age eight, making his senior debut at 17 in a League Two match against Notts County on 26 April 2008, and signing professional forms in July 2008. In August 2010, he transferred to for an initial fee of £325,000 ahead of their inaugural season, where he made 27 league appearances and scored 1 goal during the 2010–11 campaign. He later moved to Queens Park Rangers in August 2013 for an undisclosed fee, then to West Bromwich Albion in July 2016, where he spent eight seasons and contributed to their promotion to the via the in 2021. In August 2024, at age 33, Phillips signed a two-year deal with newly promoted United as their tenth summer addition, bringing his senior career tally to 75 goals in 537 appearances across all competitions as of November 2025.

Early life and background

Family and upbringing

Matthew Phillips was born on 13 March 1991 in , , . Known professionally as Matt Phillips but often referred to as Matty by fans and teammates, he grew up in the town of , where he spent his early years immersed in the local community. Standing at 1.83 metres tall and naturally right-footed, Phillips developed a strong foundation in sports during his childhood, with football quickly emerging as his primary interest. His family provided a supportive environment in , fostering his early enthusiasm for the game through encouragement and participation in local activities. Phillips' father is of Jamaican descent, and he has Scottish heritage through his maternal grandparents, making him eligible to represent . Phillips' upbringing in this in shaped his grounded approach to life and , setting the stage for his later athletic pursuits. He briefly engaged with local football clubs in his youth, honing his skills before advancing to organized youth setups nearby.

Introduction to football

Matt Phillips developed a profound passion for football from a young age while growing up in , , where he began kicking a foam ball around the house and garden almost as soon as he could walk. His mother, Catherine, purchased his first proper football, fueling an obsession that saw him constantly playing, even packing the ball for family holidays and turning social events like weddings into impromptu matches. This early enthusiasm laid the foundation for his involvement in the sport, supported by his parents, Catherine and Lebert, who encouraged his pursuits while offering realistic guidance on the challenges of pursuing a professional career during his years. Phillips joined the youth setup at Wycombe Wanderers as a , progressing through the club's junior sides as part of their programme. His development in the involved rigorous training and competitive matches, honing his skills as a winger and forward, and he idolized United's as his childhood football hero for his longevity and flair on the wing. By his mid-teens, Phillips had advanced to more senior youth levels, gaining experience in the that prepared him for first-team opportunities.

Club career

Wycombe Wanderers

Matt Phillips joined Wycombe Wanderers' youth setup at age eight and progressed through the academy before signing his first professional contract in July 2008, at the age of 17. This two-year deal came after impressing manager Peter Taylor during pre-season, securing his place in the senior squad despite still being an apprentice. Phillips made his league debut for Wycombe on 26 April 2008, appearing as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Notts County in League Two. He scored his first goal for the club on 6 December 2008 in a 3–0 away win against Aldershot Town, becoming Wycombe's youngest-ever league goalscorer at 17 years and 268 days. The 2008–09 season marked Phillips' breakthrough, as he established himself in the first team with 40 appearances across all competitions and 5 goals, contributing to Wycombe's third-place finish and promotion via the play-offs. His performances earned him the club's Young Player of the Year award—presented in two categories—as well as the Football League's Apprentice of the Year for League Two in 2009. Over his time at Wycombe, spanning from his debut until August 2010, Phillips amassed 87 appearances in all competitions, scoring 9 goals, before departing for in the .

Blackpool

Matt Phillips joined on 31 August 2010, signing from Wycombe Wanderers for an initial transfer fee of £325,000, potentially rising to £700,000 based on performance clauses. The move came on transfer deadline day, marking his step up to the after impressing in League Two. In his debut season of 2010–11, Phillips adapted quickly to top-flight football, making 35 league appearances (23 starts) and scoring 5 goals, with additional contributions of 2 goals in 3 cup matches, totaling 7 goals across 41 outings. His pace and directness on the flanks added dynamism to Blackpool's attack under , though the team struggled defensively and finished 19th, suffering relegation to the . Following relegation, Phillips transitioned to the in 2011–12, where he initially featured in 9 league appearances with 2 goals before departing on a one-month to Sheffield United in October for additional experience. Upon returning, he elevated his game, adding 3 more league goals to finish with 5 in 35 total league outings (22 starts), plus 2 goals in cup and playoff ties, helping reach the promotion playoffs. His standout moment came in the playoff semi-final second leg against Birmingham City, where he scored to secure a 2-0 aggregate win and a place in the final, though lost 2-1 to West Ham United. In 2012–13, Phillips continued as a key attacking outlet in the , scoring 4 goals in 42 appearances (including cups) before his departure in August 2013. Over his three seasons at , he made 101 appearances and scored 18 goals, primarily providing width, crosses, and transitional threat that enhanced the team's counter-attacking style during their post-relegation push for promotion.

Sheffield United (loan)

In October 2011, Matt Phillips joined Sheffield United on a one-month loan from Blackpool, providing the League One club with attacking reinforcement amid their push for promotion. The move was announced on 14 October, allowing Phillips to make an immediate impact in the South Yorkshire side's campaign. Phillips debuted as a substitute in the Steel City Derby against Sheffield Wednesday on 16 October 2011, coming on in a 2–2 draw at Bramall Lane that showcased the intensity of the local rivalry. He quickly established himself as a key contributor, starting the subsequent five matches and scoring five goals in total across six appearances, all in League One. His goals included a brace in a 4–2 victory over Preston North End on 19 October, helping Sheffield United climb the table. Further strikes followed: one in a 2–1 win against Milton Keynes Dons on 25 October, and another brace in a thrilling 4–4 draw with Exeter City on 29 October, where his late equalizer briefly put the Blades ahead. Phillips also featured in draws against Leyton Orient and a loss to Stevenage before the loan concluded. The loan ended on 6 November 2011 as per the initial agreement, with Phillips returning to after amassing 452 minutes of competitive action. His prolific spell—averaging nearly a goal per game—highlighted his speed and finishing ability in a lower-tier environment, aiding United's early-season momentum toward the , though he did not feature in the postseason. This experience in League One's physical and competitive setting proved valuable for Phillips' development as a versatile winger.

Queens Park Rangers

In August 2013, Matt Phillips transferred to Queens Park Rangers from for a reported fee of £5 million, signing a four-year contract. He made his debut later that month in a match against . During the 2013–14 season, Phillips featured in 21 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists, contributing to QPR's fourth-place finish and qualification for the promotion . However, his campaign was interrupted in February 2014 by a serious ankle injury sustained against , which sidelined him for the remainder of the season, including the playoff victory over Derby County that secured promotion to the . Phillips returned for the 2014–15 Premier League season, where he established himself as a key player, making 25 league appearances with 3 goals and 8 assists. His form peaked in the latter stages, as he was involved in nine goals across his final eight matches, including seven assists in the calendar year—a tally bettered by only in Europe's top leagues. Despite his contributions, QPR were relegated after finishing 20th. Shortly after relegation was confirmed in May 2015, Phillips faced fan backlash for posting a photograph on social media posing with his £100,000 , which some supporters deemed insensitive given the club's plight. In the 2015–16 season, Phillips delivered a strong performance with 44 league appearances, 8 goals, and 5 assists, helping QPR to a mid-table ninth-place finish. During his QPR tenure, he also received his first call-up to the national team in March 2015. With one year remaining on his contract, Phillips departed in July 2016, joining West Bromwich Albion for a reported £5.5 million fee.

West Bromwich Albion

Matt Phillips joined West Bromwich Albion on 6 July 2016, signing a four-year contract from Queens Park Rangers for a reported fee of £5.5 million, making him the club's first summer signing under manager . Phillips, a international, brought versatility to the squad, capable of playing as a winger on either flank, a central forward, or even in defensive roles. In his debut 2016–17 Premier League season, Phillips made 28 appearances and scored 3 goals, helping West Brom finish 10th while adapting to Pulis' pragmatic, defensively oriented system that prioritized solidity over expansive play. His contributions included key assists and moments of flair on the wings, though injuries limited his consistency early on. Phillips extended his contract in September 2019 for three years and again in August 2021 until summer 2024, solidifying his status as a long-serving player at . West Brom's relegation from the at the end of the 2020–21 season marked a challenging period, but Phillips remained a key figure, featuring in 33 league matches and scoring 2 goals, including a notable strike in a 3–0 victory over in April 2021 that briefly boosted survival hopes. In the subsequent campaigns, he adapted further under managers like Valerien Ismaël and , often deployed as a left wing-back to leverage his defensive improvements alongside attacking threat. The 2023–24 season saw West Brom push for promotion, finishing fifth and reaching the play-off semi-finals, where they lost 3–1 on aggregate to after a goalless first leg. Over eight seasons, Phillips made 238 appearances for West Brom across all competitions, scoring 28 goals and providing 30 assists, embodying versatility across winger, forward, and left wing-back roles. His longevity coincided with 10 caps for between 2016 and 2018. Following the expiry of his , Phillips departed as a in July 2024 after 226 league appearances and 16 goals.

Oxford United

On 1 August 2024, Matt Phillips joined Oxford United on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion, signing a one-year contract with an option for an additional year. His previous experience at West Bromwich Albion, where he spent eight years across the and , aided his transition to the newly promoted side. Phillips made his debut for Oxford United on 13 August 2024, coming off the bench in a 2–0 victory over United in the second round, where he scored his first goal for the club with a composed finish. During the 2024–25 season, he featured in 28 league appearances, primarily as a right winger or left wing-back, providing two key assists that contributed to the team's mid-table finish in 17th place, despite not scoring in league play. At age 34, Phillips adapted effectively to Gary Rowett's tactical demands, often filling versatile roles on the flanks to support both attack and defense. In September 2025, Phillips suffered a injury during a against Leicester City, which sidelined him for several months. The injury, described as a issue by the club, has kept him out since early in the 2025–26 season, with an expected return in late November 2025. His absence has compounded Oxford United's challenging start to the campaign, leaving them in 21st position in the with just 13 points from 14 games as of November 2025, hindering their efforts to climb away from the relegation zone.

International career

Youth international career

Phillips began his youth international career with , earning five caps and scoring two goals for the under-19 team between 2009 and 2010. His performances at , where he impressed in the during the 2010–11 season, contributed to his selection for the senior youth squads. In 2011, Phillips represented the under-20 team, accumulating five caps without scoring goals; this included appearances in the qualifiers and the finals tournament in , where he started all three group-stage matches as England exited in the first round. Phillips' final involvement with England youth teams occurred in February 2012. That same month, he opted to switch allegiance to , a decision influenced by his maternal heritage through a Scottish grandfather.

Senior international career

Matt Phillips received his first call-up to the Scotland senior national team in February 2012 for a friendly match against , though he withdrew due to injury. He made his debut three months later on 26 May 2012, coming on as a substitute in a 5–1 friendly defeat to the at EverBank Field in . Under manager , Phillips featured primarily as a winger, providing pace and width on the flanks to support Scotland's attacking play. Over the course of his international career, Phillips earned 16 caps between 2012 and 2019, often deployed on either wing to stretch defenses and deliver crosses into the box. His appearances included two in the campaign, where he contributed as a substitute in key fixtures against strong opponents, helping to maintain Scotland's competitive edge in Group D. Under , who succeeded Levein, Phillips became a regular option in the squad's attacking setup, valued for his direct running and ability to create chances from wide areas during transitions. Phillips also featured in five matches during the qualifying group, including starts against , , and , where his involvement aided Scotland's efforts to secure vital points in a challenging Group F. Later, under , he appeared in games and friendlies, scoring his sole international goal in a 1–0 friendly win over in March 2018. His final cap came on 9 September 2019, as a substitute in a 0–4 home defeat to during the qualifiers. Phillips has not received a recall since, attributed to inconsistent club form and recurring injuries.

International goals

Matt Phillips scored his sole goal for the senior national team on 27 March 2018, during a 1–0 friendly victory over at the Aréna in . The goal came in the 48th minute, when Phillips, playing as a central striker in manager McLeish's 3–5–2 formation, converted a low cross from with a first-time right-footed strike from close range, securing Scotland's first win under McLeish's second spell in charge. Despite earning 16 caps for Scotland between 2012 and 2019, Phillips did not score in any other senior international matches.

Playing style

Attacking attributes

Matt Phillips is renowned for his attacking prowess as a versatile winger, capable of operating on either flank or as a forward, where his pace, dribbling ability, and precise crossing have been key strengths throughout his career. His capacity to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver dangerous balls into the box has made him a consistent creator, particularly in the Championship, where he has recorded high assist totals, including 15 across 94 appearances for Queens Park Rangers. Additionally, Phillips excels in long-range shooting, often unleashing powerful strikes from distance, as demonstrated by his 43-yard thunderbolt against Crystal Palace in March 2015, which was voted QPR's goal of the season. During the 2014–15 Premier League season with QPR, Phillips showcased a remarkable burst of creativity, contributing to nine goals in his final eight matches, including seven assists in 2015 alone—second only to Lionel Messi's eight across Europe's leagues. This form under manager Chris Ramsey highlighted his vision and delivery, with notable assists for teammates like and Clint Hill in a 3–3 draw against Aston Villa. Earlier, in QPR's 2013–14 promotion campaign, his creative play was instrumental, helping secure their return to the top flight. Phillips has also proven an effective goal scorer, amassing 67 career goals and around 60 assists in over 530 appearances, with 31 goals and 31 assists during his time at West Bromwich Albion. Representative examples include his contributions in West Brom's season. His long-range shooting continued to shine at West Brom. While primarily an offensive force, Phillips occasionally balances his role with defensive duties in hybrid wide positions.

Defensive responsibilities

Under ' management at West Bromwich Albion from 2016 to 2020, Matt Phillips adapted effectively to a defensive winger and wing-back role within a system emphasizing organization and counter-attacking resilience. Pulis' tactical setup often shifted to a compact 4-5-1 out of possession, requiring wingers to track back diligently and support full-backs in containing opposition wide threats. This adaptation was pivotal for Phillips, who transitioned from a more attacking-oriented profile at Queens Park Rangers to one balancing defensive duties with forward runs. Phillips' defensive contributions were instrumental during West Brom's campaign, where the team secured survival with a 10th-place finish. He averaged 0.87 interceptions and 0.58 tackles won per 90 minutes across 24.2 appearances, helping maintain the side's league-leading defensive record in the second half of the season by disrupting opposition build-up play and aiding transitions. His tracking back and positional awareness complemented the central defensive solidity, allowing West Brom to concede 51 goals overall that year. In Scotland's international qualifiers, Phillips exemplified high-pressing tenacity, notably in the 2018 qualifying buildup where the team adopted aggressive pressing to regain possession quickly; his involvement in such phases added width and recovery support during matches like the 1-0 friendly win over . At Oxford United in the 2024–25 season, Phillips further demonstrated defensive solidity in a wing-back capacity, recording 23 clearances, 12 blocks, 6 tackles won, and 5 interceptions over 10.6 90s, contributing to the team's organized backline amid promotion efforts. In the ongoing 2025–26 season, he has continued to be deployed as a left wing-back, though with limited appearances as of 2025. By his mid-30s, Phillips had evolved from a pure attacker into a balanced wide player, increasingly deployed as a left wing-back at Oxford, where his experience enhanced both defensive cover and overlapping runs without compromising team shape. This maturation underscored his versatility in modern systems demanding multifaceted contributions from wide players.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Matt Phillips has accumulated over 580 appearances in all competitions across his professional club career, scoring 77 goals and recording 69 assists as of November 2025. His statistics encompass league matches, domestic cups, and playoffs from various clubs in the English football pyramid. The table below provides a breakdown by club, including totals for appearances, goals, and assists. Detailed seasonal data highlights key periods, such as his breakthrough at Wycombe Wanderers (47 appearances, 6 goals in 2008–10 across League Two and cups) and his most productive spell at West Bromwich Albion (e.g., 38 appearances, 6 goals in the 2016–17 Premier League season). For Oxford United in the 2024–25 Championship season, he featured in 28 matches without scoring (plus cups), adding 4 more appearances in the ongoing 2025–26 campaign (0 goals).
ClubYearsAppearancesGoalsAssists
Wycombe Wanderers2008–20108796
2010–20131011815
Sheffield United (loan)2011650
Queens Park Rangers2013–2016941415
West Bromwich Albion2016–20242553131
Oxford United2024–3202
Career Total5757769

International statistics

Matt Phillips represented the senior national team from 2012 to 2019, accumulating 16 caps and 1 goal across various competitions, including friendlies, qualifiers, , and qualifiers. Prior to committing to , he featured for England's youth teams, earning 5 caps and scoring 2 goals for the U19 side in 2010–2011, and 5 caps with no goals for the U20 team in 2011. The following table details Phillips' senior international appearances for :
DateOpponentResultCompetitionGoals
26/05/20121–5 LFriendly0
16/10/20120–2 L 2014 Qualifier0
24/03/20160–1 LFriendly0
29/05/20160–1 LFriendly0
01/09/20173–0 W 2018 Qualifier0
04/09/20172–0 W 2018 Qualifier0
05/10/20171–0 W 2018 Qualifier0
08/10/20172–2 D 2018 Qualifier0
09/11/20170–1 LFriendly0
23/03/20180–1 LFriendly0
27/03/20181–0 WFriendly1
29/05/20180–2 LFriendly0
17/11/20184–0 W 2018/190
20/11/20183–2 W 2018/190
06/09/2019Russia1–2 LFriendly0
09/09/20190–4 LEuro 2020 Qualifier0

Honours

Wycombe Wanderers

  • Football League Two play-offs: 2009
  • Young Player of the Year: 2008–09, 2009–10
  • League Two Apprentice of the Year: 2009

Blackpool

West Bromwich Albion

  • EFL Championship play-offs: 2020

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/matt-phillips/profil/spieler/77274
  2. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/47719/Matt_Phillips.html
  3. https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/scotland/team-news/phillips-handed-scotland-debut_28732.html
  4. http://www.chairboys.co.uk/players/phillips_matt.htm
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/31/matt-phillips-wycombe-wanderers-blackpool
  6. https://fbref.com/en/players/7bb5f40e/Matt-Phillips
  7. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/23817276
  8. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37478699/west-brom-complete-signing-matt-phillips-queens-park-rangers
  9. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/crglyyd8x33o
  10. https://salarysport.com/football/player/matt-phillips/
  11. https://footystats.org/players/scotland/matt-phillips
  12. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/18185639
  13. https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/8374502.were-still-in-dreamland/
  14. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2017/may/matt-phillips-qa
  15. https://www.lfe.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/lfe-touchline-13.pdf
  16. https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/players/?pid=253099&lid=1
  17. https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=49017
  18. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/matt-phillips/107387
  19. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/8957542.stm
  20. https://fbref.com/en/squads/7cbf5cb4/2010-2011/Blackpool-Stats
  21. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/15308270
  22. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/may/09/birmingham-city-blackpool-championship-playoff
  23. https://www.transfermarkt.com/matt-phillips/detaillierteleistungsdaten/spieler/77274
  24. https://www.transfermarkt.com/matt-phillips/transfers/spieler/77274/transfer_id/643576
  25. https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/324387/sheffield-wednesday-sheffield-united
  26. https://www.transfermarkt.com/matt-phillips/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/77274/saison/2011/verein/350/liga/0/wettbewerb/GB3/pos/0/trainer_id/0
  27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/15269480.stm
  28. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/15346266.stm
  29. https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/319052/exeter-city-sheffield-united
  30. https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/319025/sheffield-united-leyton-orient
  31. https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/319066/sheffield-united-stevenage
  32. https://www.transfermarkt.com/matt-phillips/transfers/spieler/77274/transfer_id/643578
  33. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11683/7266190/duo-strike-to-earn-blades-win
  34. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/26067608
  35. https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/apr/09/cristiano-ronaldo-leo-messi-qpr-matt-phillips-assists
  36. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3079752/QPR-star-Matt-Phillips-blasted-fans-posing-100-000-Porsche-Twitter-three-days-team-relegated.html
  37. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11698/10454316/west-brom-complete-5-5m-signing-of-matt-phillips-from-qpr
  38. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36713900
  39. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jul/06/west-brom-matt-phillips-qpr-signs
  40. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-tie-down-perfect-21234682
  41. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/phillips-pens-contract-extension
  42. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cd1qqyy590vt
  43. https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/702344
  44. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cxeeynxlzelo
  45. https://www.oufc.co.uk/news/matt-phillips-oxford-united-player
  46. https://www.oufc.co.uk/player/250
  47. https://fbref.com/en/players/7bb5f40e/matchlogs/2024-2025/Matt-Phillips-Match-Logs
  48. https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/24992288.oxford-united-boss-praises-matt-phillips-wing-back-role/
  49. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cx2r7rderd8o
  50. https://www.besoccer.com/team/injuries-suspensions/oxford-united
  51. https://www.besoccer.com/player/matt-phillips-78207
  52. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/englands-weakened-team-risk-u20-world-cup-flop-2327006.html
  53. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/feb/20/scotland-england-matt-phillips
  54. https://www.bbc.com/sport/scotland/17010324
  55. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/matt-phillips-i-turned-down-stuart-1118023
  56. https://www.transfermarkt.us/matt-phillips/nationalmannschaft/spieler/77274
  57. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3331109/2022/06/02/matt-phillips-west-brom-future/
  58. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43466396
  59. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/mar/27/hungary-scotland-international-friendly-match-report
  60. https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scotland-emerge-1-0-victors-in-budapest/
  61. https://www.transfermarkt.us/matt-phillips/leistungsdaten/spieler/77274
  62. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11788/9863154/queens-park-rangers-premier-league-season-review-2014-15
  63. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50823353
  64. https://www.besoccer.com/new/liverpool-v-west-bromwich-albion-as-it-happened-933708
  65. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/06/leicester-city-west-bromwich-albion-premier-league-match-report
  66. https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/1/20/14322026/scout-report-west-brom-typical-tony-phenomenal-phillips-have-the-baggies-bouncing
  67. https://archive.news.stv.tv/sport/1411245-matt-phillips-goal-gives-scotland-victory-over-hungary.html
  68. https://www.transfermarkt.com/matt-phillips/leistungsdaten/spieler/77274
  69. https://us.soccerway.com/players/matt-phillips/50793/
  70. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2016/july/matty-phillips---the-story-so-far
  71. https://www.football.co.uk/west-ham-united/pfa-championship-team-of-the-year-201112/2195753
  72. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/may/west-bromwich-albion-promoted-to-the-premier-league
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