Seasiders snap up Phillips

31/08/2010 13:44 +0100

The 19-year-old has joined up with Ian Holloway's side after impressing for the England Under-19 side this summer and could eventually cost the Seasiders close to £700,000. Ian Holloway admits he had been tracking Phillips for some time before finally signing the player. "Matty has been on our radar for some time," said Holloway. "He did well in the European Under-19 tournament for England in the summer and has played almost 80 league games for Wycombe - which at 19 is a real achievement. "I can't wait for him to get involved in our system and to work with him on the training ground." Wycombe boss Gary Waddock was sad to see Phillips go but admitted the chance for the player was too good for the club to reject. "It's a great opportunity for Matty to play in the Premier League and we couldn't stand in his way," he said. "He is an outstanding prospect and I'm sorry to lose him but it's a great move for him and excellent business for the football club." Club owner Steve Hayes added on wycombewanderers.co.uk: "How could we deny him the chance to further his career by playing for a Premier League club? "We offered him a new, long-term contract several months ago but he was reluctant to commit himself and once Blackpool came in he wanted to go. "We believe we have negotiated a realistic fee for a player who wasn't a first team regular." Phillips has made 87 appearances for Wycombe, scoring nine goals, and will now make the move to Lancashire.