Des Buckingham is close to adding some proven Championship experience to his squad this summer as reports suggest 33-year-old, Matt Phillips, is edging closer to a move to Oxford United on a free following the expiry of his deal at West Brom.
Phillips’ eight-year spell at The Hawthorns came to a close this summer
Matt Phillips joined West Brom back in the summer of 2016 following an impressive season at QPR in the Championship, netting eight goals and grabbing five assists.
Phillips remained an ever-present in West Brom’s squad as they fluctuated from the Championship to the Premier League. The Scottish winger contributed 62 goals and assists in his 255 appearances in the blue and white of West Brom.
However, the eight-year-long relationship between West Brom and Phillips came to a close this summer as the forward was alongside seven other senior squad members who were let go after the conclusion of their deals with the club. (BBC Sport)
The ex-QPR winger issued a passionate farewell statement on his Instagram in May stating ‘This club will always be in my heart and I wish it nothing but success moving forward’.
Oxford United would be adding plenty of experience to their ranks
Matt Phillips’ career appears to certainly still be up and running though, following his exit from West Brom, as Tom Barclay reported on X that the 33-year-old is set to join newly promoted Oxford United as a free agent.
Des Buckingham’s Oxford United are preparing for their first season back in the second tier after a 25-year absence. The summer hardly went ideally to start with for the U’s with star forward, Josh Murphy, whose brace at Wembley won United promotion, leaving on a free transfer to another promoted side, Portsmouth.
Billy Bodin also left the club after recording over 100 appearances in yellow, leaving Oxford particularly light on both wings, an issue that the signing of Phillips would address.
Phillips could provide Buckingham’s side with some much-needed Championship experience, having played in 280 games at the level.
A move to Oxford United would end any dreams of a Wycombe return for Phillips
A switch to Oxford United offers Phillips a welcome chance to remain playing at Championship level, however, it does mean that any chances of a romantic return to his boyhood club, Wycombe Wanderers, are extinguished.
Bucks Free Press reported in late July that ex-Chairboys duo Matt Phillips and Fred Onyedinma, were open to returning to the club this summer with both players available on a free transfer, however, it looks as though the appeal of Championship football was too great to turn down.
Baggies fans have wished Phillips well
West Brom fans have taken to X to reply to the news of Phillips signing for fellow Championship outfit, Oxford United, with one fan wishing their long-term servant well stating, ‘Great signing for them. Top top winger on his day’. (@wbaethan)
Another Baggies fan remarked ‘Glad he’s got a club’ (@WestBromExe) with @BaggieJohn1 weighing in with the conclusion ‘he’ll be a good signing for them if he can stay fit’.
