Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Tallman on July 01, 2019, 02:19:03 PM
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Watford Academy “Player of the Season”, Daniel Phillips, expresses interest in playing for Trinidad and Tobago
TTFA Media
English-born midfielder Daniel Phillips, an 18-year-old who is eligible to represent Trinidad and Tobago has secured a professional contract with English club Watford.
Phillips was offered the two-year pro deal after impressing during his time in the club’s youth set-up.
Phillips was named 2018/19 academy Player of the Season and was rewarded with the contract.
Eligible for T&T through his father who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, Phillips has already expressed a keen interest in representing this country. He showed up at Wrexham in March to witness this country’s international friendly with Wales and met with members of the T&T contingent after the 1-0 defeat.
His father David Roger Edward Phillips was born in Port of Spain while his mother Leonora was born in Bristol before moving to Trinidad at age 3 where she resided until age 33. Phillips is also the cousin of former T&T defender Ian Cox who was a member of the 2006 World Cup squad. His grandfather of the late Captain Archilus Phillips of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
Young Phillips was born in Enfield, North London.
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to play international football and get the international experience,” Phillips told TTFA Media. “To get the chance to test myself at the international level is something I’m looking forward to,” he added.
Phillips is described by Watford as “ A central midfield player who joined the club as an Under-14, Phillips is very comfortable on the ball and has good technique. He breaks lines in possession very well, creating attacking opportunities for the team.”
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That's exactly the type of midfield player we need at this moment. Let's see if we drop the ball on this.
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That's exactly the type of midfield player we need at this moment. Let's see if we drop the ball on this.
he can be part of our next under 20 team . i wonder what happened to carlitos williams the other player at watford flex posted some years ago
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Watford Academy “Player of the Season”, Daniel Phillips, expresses interest in playing for Trinidad and Tobago
TTFA Media
English-born midfielder Daniel Phillips, an 18-year-old who is eligible to represent Trinidad and Tobago has secured a professional contract with English club Watford.
Phillips was offered the two-year pro deal after impressing during his time in the club’s youth set-up.
Phillips was named 2018/19 academy Player of the Season and was rewarded with the contract.
Eligible for T&T through his father who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, Phillips has already expressed a keen interest in representing this country. He showed up at Wrexham in March to witness this country’s international friendly with Wales and met with members of the T&T contingent after the 1-0 defeat.
His father David Roger Edward Phillips was born in Port of Spain while his mother Leonora was born in Bristol before moving to Trinidad at age 3 where she resided until age 33. Phillips is also the cousin of former T&T defender Ian Cox who was a member of the 2006 World Cup squad. His grandfather of the late Captain Archilus Phillips of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
Young Phillips was born in Enfield, North London.
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to play international football and get the international experience,” Phillips told TTFA Media. “To get the chance to test myself at the international level is something I’m looking forward to,” he added.
Phillips is described by Watford as “ A central midfield player who joined the club as an Under-14, Phillips is very comfortable on the ball and has good technique. He breaks lines in possession very well, creating attacking opportunities for the team.”
Send him for ah drug test !
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Why Sam?
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Watford Academy “Player of the Season”, Daniel Phillips, expresses interest in playing for Trinidad and Tobago
TTFA Media
English-born midfielder Daniel Phillips, an 18-year-old who is eligible to represent Trinidad and Tobago has secured a professional contract with English club Watford.
Phillips was offered the two-year pro deal after impressing during his time in the club’s youth set-up.
Phillips was named 2018/19 academy Player of the Season and was rewarded with the contract.
Eligible for T&T through his father who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, Phillips has already expressed a keen interest in representing this country. He showed up at Wrexham in March to witness this country’s international friendly with Wales and met with members of the T&T contingent after the 1-0 defeat.
His father David Roger Edward Phillips was born in Port of Spain while his mother Leonora was born in Bristol before moving to Trinidad at age 3 where she resided until age 33. Phillips is also the cousin of former T&T defender Ian Cox who was a member of the 2006 World Cup squad. His grandfather of the late Captain Archilus Phillips of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
Young Phillips was born in Enfield, North London.
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to play international football and get the international experience,” Phillips told TTFA Media. “To get the chance to test myself at the international level is something I’m looking forward to,” he added.
Phillips is described by Watford as “ A central midfield player who joined the club as an Under-14, Phillips is very comfortable on the ball and has good technique. He breaks lines in possession very well, creating attacking opportunities for the team.”
SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL ON LOAN
https://www.youtube.com/v/TcHtuRVVUts
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Watford could do with that goal right now!
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Daniel Phillips is a beast...
(https://newsday.co.tt/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4361619-1024x576.jpg)
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Daniel Phillips is a beast...
(https://newsday.co.tt/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4361619-1024x576.jpg)
Any highlights?
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daniel phillps got a call up ...
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danile phillps got a call up ...
Would you happen to know why he hasn't been even on Watford bench since Jan'9th ? Was he injured ?
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Who is he ?
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https://www.watfordfc.com/news/internationals-phillips-over-the-moon-with-trinidad-tobago-call-up
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danile phillps got a call up ...
Would you happen to know why he hasn't been even on Watford bench since Jan'9th ? Was he injured ?
Did see that on YouTube?
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danile phillps got a call up ...
Would you happen to know why he hasn't been even on Watford bench since Jan'9th ? Was he injured ?
Did see that on YouTube?
https://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/phillips-over-the-moon-with-soca-warriors-callup-6.2.1298367.224f61a875
Young midfielder Dan Phillips is “over the moon” at being called up by T&T for the first time.
The 20-year-old powerhouse has been named in the provisional squad by coach Terry Fenwick in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers later this month against Guyana and Puerto Rico.
Phillips will find out on Friday (March 12) if he has made the 21-man squad for the back-to-back matches. His involvement is likely to depend on his recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for two months.
However, his selection is a reflection of his progress and recognition of his regular involvement with the first-team this season. He started both of the Carabao Cup ties and came on as a substitute in games against Middlesbrough, Preston and, most significantly, in the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“I'm over the moon,” said Phillips, who was born in Enfield to parents from T&T. “I'm really, really excited. I wasn't expecting it, but it shows you that what you are doing with your club doesn't go unnoticed. It's a big honour.”
T&T reached the World Cup finals for the first and only time in 2006 and are now trying to qualify from a CONCACAF group that includes Saint Kitts & Nevis, Guyana, Puerto Rico and Bahamas.
“This is the biggest competition in football so these are massive games for the country,” said Phillips. “My parents were both born in Trinidad so they are so proud. I'm really proud of my roots and although I haven't been over for a while, I'm very much in touch with my family there.
"They are so excited for me and I can't wait to make them proud if I get selected. I've spoken to the coach and he is eager to get me over and into the group. I've always dreamed of playing international football, so this is another big step in my career.”
(www.watfordfc.com)
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WATCH: Watford FC midfielder Daniel Phillips keen to start his international career with Trinidad and Tobago
https://www.youtube.com/v/sl3t9yqj50w
Watford's Phillips keen to add value to T&T on international stage.
TTFA Media.
Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Terry Fenwick welcomed Watford midfielder Daniel Phillips into the camp as he trained for the first time on Friday at the Pan American Stadium. Also joining was English-based midfielder Andre Boucaud.
Phillips said he was keen to wear the T&T shirt and is hoping to make a key contribution to the team’s efforts.
“It’s been a long time coming and I’m just really happy to finally be here. Everyone’s welcomed me very well and I’m just happy to get to work. My dad was born and raised in Trinidad as well as my grandparents and I’ve visited the country already.
My ambition is to go to the highest stage possible so playing for Trinidad and Tobago in the World Cup qualifiers is a big deal,” Phillips told TTFA Media on Saturday.
“I want to play in the hardest, most important games straight away. I’m hoping to just bring a level of quality and just push everyone else and they will push me as well. Based of the first session on Friday, I was really impressed. Everyone gets on really well. It was really a high intensity from the start to the finish and I thought that was really impressive,” the 20-year-old added.
Meanwhile, a training match which was tentatively scheduled for Saturday morning between this country’s Senior National Men’s Team and local Dominican Republic club Atletico Pantoja, was cancelled in the best interest of the members of the contingent, due to a breach in the standard Covid-19 Protocols.
The match, which was arranged to be played at the club’s home base, was abandoned on the advice of T&T team doctor Akash Dhanai, after a thorough assessment of the Covid-19 tests undergone by the Pantoja players was determined to fall short of the TTFA’s and FIFA’s medical standards.
In this regard, the decision was taken to cancel the match to ensure that the safety of T&T players and staff would not have been compromised ahead of next Thursday’s Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Guyana. All members of the T&T team have been following strict Covid-19 regulations in keeping with FIFA and Concacaf’s International Match Protocols since the commencement of a bio-secure bubble at the Home of Football in Couva on March 16th.
Head Coach Fenwick and his staff later conducted a training session with the team in the afternoon period.
In related news, it has been confirmed that there will be no spectators at Thursday’s World Cup qualifier at the Pan American Stadium and the same will apply to the qualifier hosted by Puerto Rico in that country on March 28th in keeping with the Covid-19 risk mitigation.
Watch Daniel Phillips keen to start international career with T&T (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl3t9yqj50w)
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
yup very true
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
yup very true
Maybe true. Football is about making decisions. Damn if you do, damn if you don't. Is he ever going to make England ? Was Birchall ever victimised for his decision to play for TT. We have asked some foreign born to play for us in the past, and the very good ones have always held out. So I pray that this guy shines in all his games and bring up his financial value. Forward youth man. God Bless.
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
It's the player's prerogative - I could only surmise as to the politics of playing or even getting an opportunity to represent England .As someone else mentioned, there have been overtures to well established foreign players who were deemed as greater possibility to represent a foreign country, yet they held out form the TnT invite and still were not given an opportunity it's to represent the country of birth.
I don't believe that those who saw an opportunity and took the chance to represent TnT were ever " victimized" - that is speculative and unwarranted.
I could see potentially one backlash if a player turned down an invite to play for his country of birth and chose TnT instead - however I don't know of any such situation where that may have occurred.
Kudos to the young man for contributing to his ancestral homeland.
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
yup very true
Maybe true. Football is about making decisions. Damn if you do, damn if you don't. Is he ever going to make England ? Was Birchall ever victimised for his decision to play for TT. We have asked some foreign born to play for us in the past, and the very good ones have always held out. So I pray that this guy shines in all his games and bring up his financial value. Forward youth man. God Bless.
I'm speaking more from the position of his age. Being this young, there's the possibility that 3 years from now he could have been an English player. Just think about where Jamie Vardy went within a couple of years. An english club would have always had that possibility in mind when either acquiring him or even nurturing him. That would have resulted in more attention and resources being placed on this player vs a foreign player. It's as simple as that. His value would have been tied to the fact that he's "english".
I just think maybe he could have come along when he was more established. It's probably more difficult to victimise and exclude an establised footballer than a young impressionable one. At this age, his future really is in the hands of his club.
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
It's the player's prerogative - I could only surmise as to the politics of playing or even getting an opportunity to represent England .As someone else mentioned, there have been overtures to well established foreign players who were deemed as greater possibility to represent a foreign country, yet they held out form the TnT invite and still were not given an opportunity it's to represent the country of birth.
I don't believe that those who saw an opportunity and took the chance to represent TnT were ever " victimized" - that is speculative and unwarranted.
I could see potentially one backlash if a player turned down an invite to play for his country of birth and chose TnT instead - however I don't know of any such situation where that may have occurred.
Kudos to the young man for contributing to his ancestral homeland.
It's not about "politics". As an english born player he would have been viewed as a "potential" english player that would have figured in any contract offers and negotiations. Not sure what his contract situation is but it's showing online that he only signed to Watford for a year. Unless he has a monster season and is a spectacular player there is now even less incentive for the club to further keep him now that he is no longer a future english prospect.
If I remember correctly, Birchall was ridiculed by people at his club for playing for TT. Not sure if any victimisation took place as he moved clubs after the world cup if I'm not mistaken.
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
yup very true
Maybe true. Football is about making decisions. Damn if you do, damn if you don't. Is he ever going to make England ? Was Birchall ever victimised for his decision to play for TT. We have asked some foreign born to play for us in the past, and the very good ones have always held out. So I pray that this guy shines in all his games and bring up his financial value. Forward youth man. God Bless.
I'm speaking more from the position of his age. Being this young, there's the possibility that 3 years from now he could have been an English player. Just think about where Jamie Vardy went within a couple of years. An english club would have always had that possibility in mind when either acquiring him or even nurturing him. That would have resulted in more attention and resources being placed on this player vs a foreign player. It's as simple as that. His value would have been tied to the fact that he's "english".
I just think maybe he could have come along when he was more established. It's probably more difficult to victimise and exclude an establised footballer than a young impressionable one. At this age, his future really is in the hands of his club.
Nah man. His future is decided by He and his God. It's in his hands. There are 100's of players who play for clubs(all over the world) and represent other countries. Family,(real) friends, Health and injuries sometimes direct decisions. He get an opportunity to fulfill one of his dreams, probably instigated by the home he was raised in. He barely makes Watford 1st team - regardless of injury. Many greater and well known English players, especially black, have not been selected Nationaly historically, for one reason or another.
He could be injured tomorrow, neither club nor injury will determine his life . Neither Football nor money should determine who you are or who you wish to be. If his game improves, is injury free and they choose to victimize him, is it his or their loss ? I already got the impression the the club already proud of him, as he, his family, friends and us are.
https://people.com/sports/former-nfl-player-turned-doctor-is-now-on-the-frontlines-fighting-coronavirus/
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
yup very true
Maybe true. Football is about making decisions. Damn if you do, damn if you don't. Is he ever going to make England ? Was Birchall ever victimised for his decision to play for TT. We have asked some foreign born to play for us in the past, and the very good ones have always held out. So I pray that this guy shines in all his games and bring up his financial value. Forward youth man. God Bless.
Marlon King mention that in an interview . he was suppose to play for Rep of Ireland ....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLcy4moDEpo&t=5328s go to minute 17:26 of this interview ....
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Dumb move at such a young age. Should have come along when he was a little more established and had more power. Those clubs hate when an english born player choose to play for another country as they see it as lowering their value. Especially if that country isn't highly rated.
Hope he isn't victimised for this decision.
It's the player's prerogative - I could only surmise as to the politics of playing or even getting an opportunity to represent England .As someone else mentioned, there have been overtures to well established foreign players who were deemed as greater possibility to represent a foreign country, yet they held out form the TnT invite and still were not given an opportunity it's to represent the country of birth.
I don't believe that those who saw an opportunity and took the chance to represent TnT were ever " victimized" - that is speculative and unwarranted.
I could see potentially one backlash if a player turned down an invite to play for his country of birth and chose TnT instead - however I don't know of any such situation where that may have occurred.
Kudos to the young man for contributing to his ancestral homeland.
It's not about "politics". As an english born player he would have been viewed as a "potential" english player that would have figured in any contract offers and negotiations. Not sure what his contract situation is but it's showing online that he only signed to Watford for a year. Unless he has a monster season and is a spectacular player there is now even less incentive for the club to further keep him now that he is no longer a future english prospect.
If I remember correctly, Birchall was ridiculed by people at his club for playing for TT. Not sure if any victimisation took place as he moved clubs after the world cup if I'm not mistaken.
Congo, cool! But I see it a bit differently. Here You are saying that the player, especially a YOUNG English born, should hold back to see if he can make England. Okay. I see your point. But later on when he is about 26 thru 30, he sees he has no prospect for making England, he should tell the parents country he is ready to play for for them. In JA's case that is working out fine. It don't work out so for Trini. The UK JA population is huge and it appears these players parents encourage them to play football. TT UK talent is miniscule and I have no idea how TT parents engage their children's sporting choices or activities. But this can go both ways. It can bad decision or his part(especially knowing TTFA history). Or it can be a great thing for him. He shines for the national team and we go thru to the next round. I am praying for the latter. Let the the coin fall where it may(heads or tail). You can't have it both ways.
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T&T footballer Daniel Phillips's English club Watford to play in English Premiership.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
T&T footballer Daniel Phillips may feature in the English Premiership next season after his Watford FC earned promotion to the top flight after a 1-0 win over Millwall in the Championship Division, on Saturday.
Phillips was not in the Watford squad for Saturday's match.
Phillips, who made his debut for T&T against Guyana on March 25 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, will become the first T&T international to play in the Premiership since former T&T striker Kenwyne Jones.
Phillips also played for T&T against Puerto Rico on March 28.
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POW !!!!! POW!!!!!!! POW!!!!!!POW!!!!!!!!
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T&T footballer Daniel Phillips's English club Watford to play in English Premiership.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
T&T footballer Daniel Phillips may feature in the English Premiership next season after his Watford FC earned promotion to the top flight after a 1-0 win over Millwall in the Championship Division, on Saturday.
Phillips was not in the Watford squad for Saturday's match.
Phillips, who made his debut for T&T against Guyana on March 25 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, will become the first T&T international to play in the Premiership since former T&T striker Kenwyne Jones.
Phillips also played for T&T against Puerto Rico on March 28.
will or would?
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T&T footballer Daniel Phillips's English club Watford to play in English Premiership.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
T&T footballer Daniel Phillips may feature in the English Premiership next season after his Watford FC earned promotion to the top flight after a 1-0 win over Millwall in the Championship Division, on Saturday.
Phillips was not in the Watford squad for Saturday's match.
Phillips, who made his debut for T&T against Guyana on March 25 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, will become the first T&T international to play in the Premiership since former T&T striker Kenwyne Jones.
Phillips also played for T&T against Puerto Rico on March 28.
will or would?
Does it matter? Unless they trade him. I am so happy for him.
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But not even making the bench. He must be hurt again, cause imo he not that bad.
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T&T footballer Daniel Phillips's English club Watford to play in English Premiership.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
T&T footballer Daniel Phillips may feature in the English Premiership next season after his Watford FC earned promotion to the top flight after a 1-0 win over Millwall in the Championship Division, on Saturday.
Phillips was not in the Watford squad for Saturday's match.
Phillips, who made his debut for T&T against Guyana on March 25 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, will become the first T&T international to play in the Premiership since former T&T striker Kenwyne Jones.
Phillips also played for T&T against Puerto Rico on March 28.
will or would?
Does it matter? Unless they trade him. I am so happy for him.
Journalistic and editorial comment. Not a career path comment. But, of course, we wish him well.
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T&T footballer Daniel Phillips's English club Watford to play in English Premiership.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
T&T footballer Daniel Phillips may feature in the English Premiership next season after his Watford FC earned promotion to the top flight after a 1-0 win over Millwall in the Championship Division, on Saturday.
Phillips was not in the Watford squad for Saturday's match.
Phillips, who made his debut for T&T against Guyana on March 25 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, will become the first T&T international to play in the Premiership since former T&T striker Kenwyne Jones.
Phillips also played for T&T against Puerto Rico on March 28.
I doh even see why this is news, at least in de manner presented. Watford was in de Premiership last season and Phillips was with de club last season. Nothing to see here.
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On loan at Gillingham for 2021 season
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Exciting Watford prospect Daniel Phillips joins Gillingham on loan
gillinghamfootballclub.com
Steve Evans has won the race to the capture of exciting central midfield player, Daniel Phillips, on a season-long loan from Premier League side Watford.
The 20-year-old featured five times for the Hornets last season, one of those appearances being at Old Trafford in the Emirates FA Cup.
Phillips came through the academy ranks at Chelsea before signing for Watford as a 14-year old in 2015. He made his professional debut in a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in September 2020.
He has already represented Trinidad and Tobago on two occasions. He made his full international debut in March earlier this year against Guyana.
The manager remained patient in his chase for the player, but was delighted to get it sorted.
He said: "He is a player that I first became aware of when I watched a number of Watford U23 games last season, in which the boy was outstanding.
"I wouldn't expect many of our supporters to know much about the young man, but they will certainly know about Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United and England, and if they want a comparison from me then there it is.
“Given he is much more inexperienced, and although younger than Kalvin, what a great benchmark for him to aim for.
"A number of clubs at the high end of League 1’s spending table were in talks with Watford, but I was delighted to get a call from the new Technical Director to say that our offer to bring this man on loan to the Gills was the preferred option for the player, and the management team at Watford.
"He joins on a season long loan, and we will work hard for him to continue his development. I am of course grateful to the staff at Watford."
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Congrats to you Daniel Phillips. Our only player in the EPL
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTrinbago/photos/a.110018710344314/541794160500098
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Congrats to you Daniel Phillips. Our only player in the EPL
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTrinbago/photos/a.110018710344314/541794160500098
Become part of the solution.
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Midfielder Daniel Phillips smashed home a right footed volley from 25 yards during Gillingham's 2-2 draw with Crawley Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Gillingham eventually prevailed 10-9 on penalties with Daniel successfully converting his spot kick.
https://www.youtube.com/v/W_goBNl1688?start=64
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Phillips | "Every game is equally important"
By David Spendley (gillinghamfootballclub.com)
Daniel Phillips returned to action for the Gills with a man-of-the-match display against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday and admitted, “It’s good to be back."
The Trinidad and Tobago international, on loan from Watford, now has his sights set on getting as much game time as he can, starting at Crewe this weekend.
Phillips, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash, said: “I’m here to get experience and play games, so it was a bit of a setback when I got injured, but I just got my head focused on coming back. The squad have had difficulties with injuries but I got back in the squad sooner than expected. I want to play in every game. I want to play as much as I can and contribute as much as I can on the pitch.
“I don’t like to limit myself to positions; so far this season I have played a few positions across the midfield. I’ll do the job that I am asked to do. I like to get myself around the pitch. I don’t just sit back; I like to get forward as well.
“This squad is still capable of a lot, we just need to get people fit first and get a run going. The boys who are fit are trying to support the ones who are injured and vice-versa. Nobody wants to be injured and missing games. Everyone is working hard to get fit and get back to playing.”
The former Chelsea academy prospect, and cousin of ex-Gills playing legend Ian Cox, insists the team are feeling confident ahead of their trip to The Mornflake Stadium despite the mounting injury crisis that the Kent side are enduring. He also says that they will not be taking the Railwaymen, currently rooted to the bottom of the table, lightly as they will be desperately scrapping for points.
The combative midfielder said: “We will talk about Crewe today, hopefully we will go there with a strong squad. Whoever goes there will be prepared.
“Every game is equally important, despite where the team is in the table. There are no easy games when you get out onto the pitch. We know we need to pick up some points and we are working hard towards that. There is a lot of quality in our team. This is a big game for us, they all are.”
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Midfield ‘cog’ Daniel Phillips plays St Johnstone trial match as Callum Davidson gives striker update
By Eric Nicolson (The Courier)
Daniel Phillips could be the midfield “cog” St Johnstone have been needing, according to manager Callum Davidson.
The former Watford international, a regular with Trinidad and Tobago, is currently on trial at McDiarmid Park.
Davidson has liked what he’s seen so far from the 21-year-old who “snaps into tackles”.
And he’s hoping that a bounce game will back-up the free agent’s excellent training ground impact.
“Daniel has been training with us for the last week and has looked good,” said Davidson.
“We are looking for someone in the middle of the park who gets around the pitch, makes tackles and brings loads of energy.
“Daniel does that.
“He’s very good on the ball, has a bit of bite and has looked sharp.
“He’s someone who snaps into tackles, gets about and is able to recover but also at the same time has quality on the ball.
“From what we’ve seen so far he’s always on the move, keeps things going and can be that cog that helps keep everything turning.”
A product of the youth academies at Chelsea and Watford, Phillips has got 21 games for Gillingham in League One under his belt.
“Daniel has come here with a decent pedigree, playing for Watford, Gillingham and also a couple of times for his national team,” Davidson added.
“He’s played a decent amount of games in England and is a good age.
“He is a young man making his way in the game so he fits the profile of what we’re looking for.
“We have the experienced ones we wanted on board but I’ve always been looking to bring in someone for this role who has that youthful enthusiasm and real energy.
“Getting someone for the middle of the park is important to us. We’ve been looking to add there for a while.
“Daniel has come up to train, he’s done well, so we’ll have a look at him in a game now and make a decision after that.”
A centre-forward is the other position that is in need of attention.
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Midfield ‘cog’ Daniel Phillips plays St Johnstone trial match as Callum Davidson gives striker update
By Eric Nicolson (The Courier)
Daniel Phillips could be the midfield “cog” St Johnstone have been needing, according to manager Callum Davidson.
The former Watford international, a regular with Trinidad and Tobago, is currently on trial at McDiarmid Park.
Davidson has liked what he’s seen so far from the 21-year-old who “snaps into tackles”.
And he’s hoping that a bounce game will back-up the free agent’s excellent training ground impact.
“Daniel has been training with us for the last week and has looked good,” said Davidson.
“We are looking for someone in the middle of the park who gets around the pitch, makes tackles and brings loads of energy.
“Daniel does that.
“He’s very good on the ball, has a bit of bite and has looked sharp.
“He’s someone who snaps into tackles, gets about and is able to recover but also at the same time has quality on the ball.
“From what we’ve seen so far he’s always on the move, keeps things going and can be that cog that helps keep everything turning.”
A product of the youth academies at Chelsea and Watford, Phillips has got 21 games for Gillingham in League One under his belt.
“Daniel has come here with a decent pedigree, playing for Watford, Gillingham and also a couple of times for his national team,” Davidson added.
“He’s played a decent amount of games in England and is a good age.
“He is a young man making his way in the game so he fits the profile of what we’re looking for.
“We have the experienced ones we wanted on board but I’ve always been looking to bring in someone for this role who has that youthful enthusiasm and real energy.
“Getting someone for the middle of the park is important to us. We’ve been looking to add there for a while.
“Daniel has come up to train, he’s done well, so we’ll have a look at him in a game now and make a decision after that.”
A centre-forward is the other position that is in need of attention.
Low bar. Half tongue in cheek.
They need all the help they can get. Only mustered one win during last season's relegation round and also managed to measure the critical result needed to maintain their top flight status.
That defensive pivot role seems a particularly important assignment for a coach who favoured a Back Three.
Hope this works out as time is ticking.
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Daniel Phillips signs with St. Johnstone
perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk
The Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Daniel Phillips on a two-year contract.
The 21-year-old joins the club after impressing during his week long trial and participation in a bounce game.
Phillips started his playing career at Chelsea between the ages of 10 and 14 before signing for Watford. He signed his first professional contract at the club in 2019 and was sent on his first loan spell to National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town .
Phillips signed a one-year contract extension in June 2020 at the Hornets. In July 2021, Phillips joined Gillingham on a season-long loan. In March 2021, Phillips was called up by Trinidad and Tobago for the first time.
Phillips spoke to SaintsTV after penning his new deal:
"I am delighted to sign for St Johnstone, I am really excited for the season ahead.
"My agent put me in contact and said they wanted me to come in on a week long trial. That helped me settle in and the players have been brilliant in welcoming me since then. The standard of training was really good with a high intensity and a fast pace.
"I spoke to one of my ex-teammates, Joseph Hungbo, who was on loan at Ross County last year. He told me really good things about the league and to come here straight away. He said it is physical but that I will enjoy it."
“I can’t wait to get started.”
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St Johnstone midfielder Daniel Phillips hopes to follow ex-Dundee hero Glen Kamara’s lead in Scottish football
By Eric Nicolson (The Courier)
New St Johnstone recruit Daniel Phillips is hoping to give his football career a Glen Kamara-style kick-start in Scottish football.
Like his weekend Ibrox opponent, Phillips was afforded an English Premier League academy upbringing in the game.
And like his Ibrox weekend opponent he has gone from lower league loans south of the border to a first permanent transfer north of it.
Kamara, now valued at around £8 million should Rangers decide to sell him, certainly hasn’t had cause to regret signing for Dundee.
And the Finland international’s example is one Phillips would love to follow with Saints.
“Definitely,” said the 21-year-old.
“There are lots of positives in coming here. The opportunity to step up the ladder and make a name for yourself is one of them.
“I know the league and quality of it.
“When the chance arose to train with St Johnstone I thought it was definitely something I should come and see for myself.
“There were a few people who were at Gillingham last year who have played in Scotland.
“And a few at Watford as well.
“I spoke to Jo Hungo, Daniel Bachmann and Olly Lee.
“All of them spoke highly of the league.
“They told me that I would fit in, that it’s a quality league and that if I played well I’d be seen.
“I definitely think it will suit me.”
Red card lessons
Phillips has vowed to channel his midfield aggression in the right way.
And the man who got sent off three times for Gillingham last season believes the manner in which he walked the tackle tightrope at Ibrox showed he’s already learning from mistakes.
Phillips was a class act for Saints on his debut – having come on after just six minutes following a game-ending thigh injury for Cammy MacPherson.
Perth fans will have been impressed by his mixture of intensity and composure.
And the Trindad and Tobago international believes they don’t have to worry about him repeating last season’s sending off errors.
It’s part of my game,” said the former Watford player. “Getting involved and being physical.
“It’s something I’m going to have to learn to keep a lid on.
“Today after I got my first booking it showed that I am learning – when to go and when to stand.”
Be prepared
There were no points for Saints but plenty of post-match plaudits came Phillips’ way after he took an unexpectedly swift entrance in his stride.
“You’ve got to be prepared,” he said.
“You make sure you’re properly warmed up as a sub because you never know what might happen.
“I was ready to go.
“I always back myself to get on the ball and make things happen.
“That’s something I’ll try to do whatever the circumstances.”
Phillips added: “It was a baptism of fire.
“But these are the games you want to be involved in.
“The biggest crowd I’d have played in before would have been half that size probably.
“I really enjoyed it. I felt comfortable.
“The quality was high and so was the pace of the game. I’ll have to adapt to that pace quickly and I’m confident I will.”
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:applause: :applause: :applause: Stay away from red cards.
Finally a Trini in Scotland. :devil:
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published at 17:54 20 August
17:54 20 August
Daniel Phillips made his first start in midfield for St Johnstone, and looked pretty good. He won six of his 10 duels and showed good strength, as well as some nice touches on the ball.
He was taken off a bit earlier than might have been expected because of an early booking, but showed some promising signs.
BBC
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"Top class" St Johnstone midfielder Dan Phillips earns glowing review - and not getting booked was a bonus
Perthshire Advertiser
Sometimes the simple things are most pleasing.
The way a player accepts the football, holds onto it comfortably and then keeps possession ticking over with ease.
The way in which the ball is retrieved back when the opposition attempt to mount a dangerous attack of their own.
And certainly in that sense, the performance of Daniel Phillips against Ross County in the Highlands last weekend was kind on the eye and provided further evidence that he could well become a success at McDiarmid Park.
Phillips has been seen little by the Perth faithful since signing in August, not helped by injury and competition for places in the middle of the park. But he got his chance in Dingwall and took it.
A Trinidad and Tobago international whose youth career involved spells at Chelsea and Watford, Phillips was deployed in a defensive midfield role and provided a safety net for Graham Carey and David Wotherspoon.
He likes a tackle, perhaps too much so at times, but being busy is a trait which should not be talked down. You want him harassing his opponent and giving them as little time as possible to create.
Phillips is strong and used his frame on multiple occasions last weekend to shepherd the ball in the direction he desired while creating space to switch the play or pick a forward pass.
“You can see that Dan is very combative and physical,” manager Callum Davidson said of the 21-year-old.
“But he is really good on the ball, takes it and holds it for you. He is a confident young man.
“I think Saturday was the first game he hasn’t been booked in. I was pleased with that! He is learning all the time.
“He has qualities, aggression and physical strength. I was really pleased with him at Ross County.
“You see a lot of things in him and think ‘wow’.
“You can’t teach certain players how he holds the ball off, his strength and how he accelerates out of trouble.
“Dan has really quick feet, a good range of passing and understands the game. There are a lot of positives.
“But he needs to work hard and make sure he is as fit as he can be. When he is fit, he is a top class player.
“A bit like Cammy MacPherson, we just want him to stay fit until the end of the season.
“We have a young group coming through at St Johnstone who could be here for years to come.
“It is really important that Dan stays fit and produces performances.”
Off the field of play, Phillips appears to be settling in rather nicely and was all smiles when the cameras were down at training last week.
Davidson revealed: “He is a lovely guy and is very chatty in training. Very aggressive in training.
“He gets on well with the lads. From what I see around the place, he has fitted in really well. It is a great place to fit in.”
Davidson, meanwhile, also provided an update on striker Chris Kane who has been out for the best part of a year with a knee problem. He was influential in the club’s cup double success.
“Chris is at a stage where he is probably going to have to have a wee go and push through,” Davidson said.
“He will need to see where he is and get back to training as quickly as he can. He has worked really hard on his strength.
“Injuries can be difficult and sometimes you get stuck. I’ve been there myself. Sometimes you need to grind through it.
“He has done all the work and the specialists are happy with his knee. There is just a little bit of discomfort.
“Hopefully we can get him through this last little stage and get him back on the training pitch.
“It has all been done medically. He has seen two or three different people to assess it.
“We’ll probably have more news on him in two or three weeks’ time.”
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St Johnstone have star in making in Dan Phillips, says Graham Carey
By Eric Nicolson (The Courier)
St Johnstone have only scratched the surface as far as the potential of midfielder Dan Phillips is concerned, according to team-mate, Graham Carey.
The Trinidad and Tobago international was hindered by injuries and missing out on a full pre-season when he arrived at McDiarmid Park in August.
But he shone in a new-look midfield after the turn of the year, impressing Saints fans with his passing range and ability to dictate the pace of a game.
Carey believes the Perth club have a star in the making on their hands, with the best still to come from the Chelsea and Watford academy product.
“Dan has everything to be a really, really good midfielder,” said the Irishman.
“Physically he can still keep developing.
“Because of his size, he’s quite muscular already but he just needs to get an engine in him and he will be a real force for us.
“He’s still really young.
“I don’t think people realise how young he is, so he can still develop a lot.”
Box to box
Carey can envisage Phillips increasing his goals and assists contribution in 2023/24.
“Dan needs to find his best position because although he’s sat for us, he can also go box to box and get higher up the park,” he said.
“He’s so powerful that if we can get him into the final third he’d be a real asset for us.
“I think the more games he gets the better he will be for us.
“He is eager to learn, he asks for advice and if he makes mistakes he wants to ask you about it and how to be better.
“I also think playing international football for Trinidad, getting that experience of playing against different players, will help him.
“I think he can really kick on next season and be an even better player.”