cjslcfc Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11712/9287926/kevin-phillips-im-retiring-with-many-great-memories Kevin Phillips: I'm retiring with many great memories Striker announces decision to hang up boots at end of the season By Kevin Phillips | Last Updated: 28/04/14 2:53pm 0 Phillips: hanging up his boots After 20 amazing years as a professional footballer, I've decided to announce my retirement. I will play my final game for Leicester on Saturday, at our home ground, having won the Championship title - and that seems like the perfect way to bow out. "I've had many great memories during my career. Now I'm moving onto the next stage." Kevin Phillips After scoring the winner to get Crystal Palace promoted at the end of last season there were a few voices in the back of my head saying 'maybe I should retire now'. But I decided to continue for another season for the chance to play in the Premier League as a 40-year-old. I managed to do that earlier in this campaign - joining an exclusive group of three other players who have played in the Premier League as 40-year-olds - but now the time is right. After a lot of consideration and time spent talking with my family, the Leicester manager Nigel Pearson and my agent, I think the time has come. I turn 41 in July and I just feel now, with sore ankles and the way my body is, it's not going to get any easier. All my family will be at the King Power Stadium this weekend and it's going to be emotional. However, although it's going to be a strange feeling leaving the pitch for the final time as a player, now's the right time. If I'm being honest, I wasn't tempted by one more go at the Premier League. Last year I kind of knew I was going to carry on but this year, no. I've been seriously thinking about it over the last four or five weeks and I think it's the right decision to make. There are other opportunities, looking forward now, that I want to pursue and that's kind of made my mind up as well. Plus, I don't particularly relish the idea of putting myself through another pre-season!FortunateLooking back on my career I feel fortunate to say that there have been so many highs - and many more highs than lows. The five promotions to the Premier League have been great, especially the last two because they've come late on in my career, and to be the top scorer in the top flight - and win the European Golden Boot in 2000 - was incredible. But if I could pick one special moment, it would have to be pulling on an England shirt for the first time. As a kid, growing up, all I ever wanted to do was play for my country. When I got that opportunity - when I was still a First Division player with Sunderland - it was a dream come true. To wear that Three Lions shirt away in Hungary was amazing and to do it seven more times after that was phenomenal for me, a player who came out of non-league into the professional game quite late on at 20. People always ask you if you have any regrets, but I really don't. I've achieved everything I set out to when I was a young kid - and more. Promotions, relegations, cup final victories - I've experienced it all. It's been an exciting career. Every kid dreams of playing for teams like Man United and Chelsea, winning Premier League titles, but I've certainly enjoyed my career and have no regrets whatsoever.SunderlandThe club I'm sure most football fans associate me with is Sunderland. That was where I made my name and I've still got huge affection for that football club. Whenever I go back there I'm always made to feel very welcome and I have to give them a huge thank you for their support. The Sunderland fans have been amazing to me when I've gone back to play against them or been at the Stadium of Light working for Sky and I sincerely hope they stay in the Premier League this season. The six years I had up there were awesome. Obviously it ended in disappointment with relegation but it was an amazing time, a lovely place to live and I met some great people. The North East people in general are very humbling. There are a lot of people I'd like to thank: the managers I've worked with, the players who have helped me and the football clubs I've played for - plus many others I don't have room to list here. Ultimately the biggest thank you would have to be to my family, though. Me and my wife went into my career together and 20 years on we're still married! There have been a lot of challenges along the way but my family have been a massive, massive help for me throughout my career.FutureSo, what next? I hear a lot of stories about players finding it difficult when they hang up their boots but I'm hoping with the opportunities I've got in front of me I'll be kept pretty busy. I'm lucky in that respect. The manager at Leicester has offered me a position in the coaching staff, with a role with the first team for next season, which I'd like to pursue. That should mean that this summer I'll be just as busy, if not busier, than the actual players on the training field! I also want to continue my media career and take that to another level, as well, so these are exciting times for me. You can't beat the buzz of match day, though: traveling to the ground, warming up on the pitch... that feeling is very special. Then, being a striker, there's nothing better than hitting the back of the net. I'd love to do that one last time on Saturday. But if it doesn't happen then I've had many great memories during my career. Now I'm moving onto the next stage. 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allen10 Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Just Posted on his Sky Sports blog: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11712/9287899/kevin-phillips-im-retiring-with-many-great-memories After 20 amazing years as a professional footballer, I've decided to announce my retirement. I will play my final game for Leicester on Saturday, at our home ground, having won the Championship title - and that seems like the perfect way to bow out. After scoring the winner to get Crystal Palace promoted at the end of last season there were a few voices in the back of my head saying 'maybe I should retire now'. But I decided to continue for another season for the chance to play in the Premier League as a 40-year-old. I managed to do that earlier in this campaign - joining an exclusive group of three other players who have played in the Premier League as 40-year-olds - but now the time is right. After a lot of consideration and time spent talking with my family, the Leicester manager Nigel Pearson and my agent, I think the time has come. I turn 41 in July and I just feel now, with sore ankles and the way my body is, it's not going to get any easier. All my family will be at the King Power Stadium this weekend and it's going to be emotional. However, although it's going to be a strange feeling leaving the pitch for the final time as a player, now's the right time. If I'm being honest, I wasn't tempted by one more go at the Premier League. Last year I kind of knew I was going to carry on but this year, no. I've been seriously thinking about it over the last four or five weeks and I think it's the right decision to make. There are other opportunities, looking forward now, that I want to pursue and that's kind of made my mind up as well. Plus, I don't particularly relish the idea of putting myself through another pre-season! Looking back on my career I feel fortunate to say that there have been so many highs - and many more highs than lows. The five promotions to the Premier League have been great, especially the last two because they've come late on in my career, and to be the top scorer in the top flight - and win the European Golden Boot in 2000 - was incredible. But if I could pick one special moment, it would have to be pulling on an England shirt for the first time. As a kid, growing up, all I ever wanted to do was play for my country. When I got that opportunity - when I was still a First Division player with Sunderland - it was a dream come true. To wear that Three Lions shirt away in Hungary was amazing and to do it seven more times after that was phenomenal for me, a player who came out of non-league into the professional game quite late on at 20. People always ask you if you have any regrets, but I really don't. I've achieved everything I set out to when I was a young kid - and more. Promotions, relegations, cup final victories - I've experienced it all. It's been an exciting career. Every kid dreams of playing for teams like Man United and Chelsea, winning Premier League titles, but I've certainly enjoyed my career and have no regrets whatsoever. The club I'm sure most football fans associate me with is Sunderland. That was where I made my name and I've still got huge affection for that football club. Whenever I go back there I'm always made to feel very welcome and I have to give them a huge thank you for their support. The Sunderland fans have been amazing to me when I've gone back to play against them or been at the Stadium of Light working for Sky and I sincerely hope they stay in the Premier League this season. The six years I had up there were awesome. Obviously it ended in disappointment with relegation but it was an amazing time, a lovely place to live and I met some great people. The North East people in general are very humbling. There are a lot of people I'd like to thank: the managers I've worked with, the players who have helped me and the football clubs I've played for - plus many others I don't have room to list here. Ultimately the biggest thank you would have to be to my family, though. Me and my wife went into my career together and 20 years on we're still married! There have been a lot of challenges along the way but my family have been a massive, massive help for me throughout my career. So, what next? I hear a lot of stories about players finding it difficult when they hang up their boots but I'm hoping with the opportunities I've got in front of me I'll be kept pretty busy. I'm lucky in that respect. The manager at Leicester has offered me a position in the coaching staff, with a role with the first team for next season, which I'd like to pursue. That should mean that this summer I'll be just as busy, if not busier, than the actual players on the training field! I also want to continue my media career and take that to another level, as well, so these are exciting times for me. You can't beat the buzz of match day, though: traveling to the ground, warming up on the pitch... that feeling is very special. Then, being a striker, there's nothing better than hitting the back of the net. I'd love to do that one last time on Saturday. But if it doesn't happen then I've had many great memories during my career. Now I'm moving onto the next stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Out Foxed Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Good stuff. Look forward to him being on the coaching staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgfualol Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Saturday is going to be even more emotional for everyone now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bert Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 All the best Kevin. Pleased that we finally got to see him play for us. Looking forward to him passing his strikers wisdom on to our players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oxfordfox83 Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Great lad to have on the staff-so much experience can only help our young lads. Cheers for the super sub goals Kev, hope you get another to round off your career... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingcarr21 Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Top Professional. Earnt us a few points this season and a great person to have on coaching staff in the premier league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrummieFOX Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Great stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom's Pasta Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 I reckon he'll come on as a sub for the last half an hour or so. What a reception he'll get, deservedly so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babylon Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Well that's one substitution guaranteed then... who will be the other two to make it onto the pitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ealingfox Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Sensational career. A superb role model for kids and players anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goose2010 Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Honestly if he does stay with us it is only gonig to be a good thing for Vardy, It will no doubt improve his game. First signing of the new season by NP and its a cracker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryn Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Has been a very positive signing, made a great impact, scored some useful goals and I reckon he will be a great coach. We must have been looking for a new first team coach and the chance to take on a new one plus have an extra striker knocking about came up. He's very lucky to have landed such a great job, at an excellent club with a fantastic and supportive backroom staff and success on the pitch too, so everyone is happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goose2010 Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 He will no doubt play at least some of the game on Saturday think he might start and then come off to get his standing ovation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry - LCFC Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Really hope he scores or gets an assist this weekend. Thank you for your efforts Kev, especially your winner against Bournemouth. EDIT: And Leeds! A game I was actually at, great contribution that day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSpaM Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Great player, just wish he'd signed for us 4 seasons ago! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Prussian Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Thanks for the goals, Kevin. You still managed to show glimpses of your class and excellent first touch on the ball. I think his signing was essential for us maintaining form over the course of the weeks and months he was here. His experience on and off the pitch have helped quite a few to mature and gel as a team. All the best with your future (pundit) career, Mr. Phillips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vardinhio Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Well done Super-Kev, really pleased he's joining us as a coach too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westernpark Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 So pleased he played for us,put in vital contributions against Blackpool, Bournemouth and Leeds. Thanks Super Kev! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wakeyfox Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 He came on and made a great impact at the Leeds game. You could sense that their defenders were wary of him, and his 'over' let Nuge in for the winner. All the best Kev... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urban.spaceman Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Kevin Philips Bong... What a legend, and hope his coaching career goes off well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teblin Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 I get the feeling he may play on Saturday at some point! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WardyisPukka Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Pretty much guaranteed he'll come on ! Remember Pearson giving Powell a run out before he retired Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freeman's Wharfer Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 I think he'll probably start which you can't argue with seeing as there's nothing to play for and it will probably mean more to him than the rest of the squad to play in the match. Right decision to retire however, probably a season too late and it showed when he started recently. Fantastic career however and just a shame that we didn't get to see him in a Leicester shirt sooner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corky Posted 28 April 2014 Share Posted 28 April 2014 Not a bad career all told, five promotions, England caps and a Golden Boot. A well deserved retirement on a high for a true pro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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