Phillips exits for Blues

Last season's top-scorer Kevin Phillips has turned down the chance to finish his career with Premiership football after opting to join Championship outfit Birmingham City. The former England international's contract ended at The Hawthorns on the 30^th June, and although offered a two-year performance related offer by the club, has chosen to sign a straight two-year option at City.

Albion have revealed that Phillips would have only had to make 19 league appearances, including those as a substitute, to activate a second year, however Phillips now sees his future at St. Andrews.

Phillips completes the trio of out-of-contract players to depart The Hawthorns even though his services were still required by manager Tony Mowbray.

"We made Kevin a very substantial financial offer for the next two years but in my opinion the second year had to be earned.

"Kevin's advisors were adamant they wanted a straight two-year contract and, as that was the sticking point, I have no problem with the outcome.

"I am happy that as a club we made a fair and realistic offer to Kevin and I'm obviously disappointed he has chosen not to accept it.

"But I've had a couple of very amicable conversations with Kevin in the past two days.

"Now that he has made his decision, I would like to thank him for his goals and contribution over the past two seasons.

"He is a top professional and has been a pleasure to work with.

"We all wish him well."

The former Watford, Sunderland, Southampton and Aston Villa player has now ironically joined hated rivals Blues after making 71 league outings, including 11 as a substitute, scoring 38 times after joining in 2006.