POOL have again shrugged off speculation linking Matt Phillips with a Premier League switch.
The winger’s name has regularly appeared in national newspapers this summer, with several top-flight clubs rumoured to be lining up offers for the 21-year-old.
Sky Sports added to the speculation last weekend by suggesting Sunderland and Everton had joined Aston Villa, Swansea and Reading in the race.
But Seasiders boss Ian Holloway has no doubts Phillips will be in his starting line-up next term.
The boss plans to base his team’s promotion charge around the speed and trickery of Phillips and fellow wideman Tom Ince.
And with Pool in a healthy financial state, and Phillips showing no signs of wanting to leave, it is almost certain he will be in a Tangerine shirt for the August 18 opener at Millwall.
Holloway said: “Matty is a great lad and a great player. He and Tom are the kind of exciting, young players people want to watch, and I am delighted and proud to have them in my squad.
“They are going to be very big players for us next season and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.”
Comments