Perth Glory quash Kevin Phillips transfer talk

Mar 27 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

“However, he is contracted to Birmingham and we completely respect that fact.

“We are working to attract the best players we can to our club and certainly that will only be done in accordance with FIFA guidelines and we are disappointed about claims otherwise.”

It seems that the whole issue ballooned up when Mitchell was asked about possible new recruits, Phillips’ name was mentioned, and he waxed lyrical.

A conciliatory Perth said they would formally contact Blues today to explain themselves.

The Western Australian club – who have ex-Blues midfielder Kenny Lowe on the coaching staff – have been surprised by the furore caused and were keen to calm relations. Mitchell is best remembered (or not) by Blues fans for plundering a hat-trick for Swindon Town in the amazing 6-4 win at St Andrew’s in April 1993.

Blues were coasting 4-1 and then Robins boss Glenn Hoddle brought himself on.

Craig Maskell (two) and Mitchell profited from the transformation that Hoddle engineered to leave Blues stunned.

Stan Lazaridis joined Perth, his hometown club, after leaving Blues in 2006.

He was released by Mitchell a year ago and subsequently retired.