Boost as Kevin Phillips has pledged his future to Birmingham City

Apr 6 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

KEVIN Phillips has given Blues a major boost as they prepare to lock horns with Wolves tonight by pledging: ‘‘I’m going nowhere’’.

The 13-goal top-scorer, hoping to start for the first time since Valentine’s Day in the top-versus-second showdown at St Andrew’s (7.45pm), says he is staying at Blues next season – regardless of division.

Australian side Perth Glory made a very public attempt to woo Phillips, which left the master marksman more than a little confused.

Blues saw them off by threatening to take the matter to FIFA, and Phillips told the Birmingham Mail that they had no chance anyway.

“I read the reports and I haven’t got a clue where all this came from, I knew nothing about it,” he said.

“Going to Australia doesn’t interest me at all anyway. I’ve had chances to go abroad before, but it’s not something I’ve considered.

“I’m at a fantastic club and my focus is on trying to help us get promotion back to the Premiership.

“I signed a two-year contract and, definitely, Birmingham’s where I want to be.

“When I came in the summer I had a plan in mind to finish my career in the Premiership and we are in an excellent position, so hopefully that’s what happens.

“But if we don’t go up, then I’d still be happy to be a Birmingham player, I haven’t got any plans to move anywhere else.”

Phillips rejected overtures from America’s MLS after Albion failed to offer him what he wanted at the end of last season.

“I just felt that I still had more to give in this country,” said Phillips, who moved to St Andrew’s on a Bosman free transfer.

“Coming to Birmingham was right and although it has been a tough season, we are still in second place and we are all determined to achieve what we want to achieve.”