West Bromwich Albion Football Club

• Nickname:The Baggies
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Steve Clarke

• Ground:The Hawthorns
• Capacity:25400

Phillips completes Baggies exit

09 Jul 2008 - 11:10:50

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Former England international striker Kevin Phillips has left West Brom and signed a two-year contract with Championship side Birmingham City.

The 34-year-old moves to St. Andrew's on a free transfer after helping the Baggies clinch promotion last term by netting 24 times in 38 appearances.

The former Sunderland and Watford forward has scored 235 goals in 482 games during his career but decided to leave The Hawthorns after Albion would only offer him a new 12-month deal.

Earlier in the week Baggies boss Tony Mowbray admitted he was prepared to let last season's top-scorer leave The Hawthorns.

"I'm pretty sure his preferred choice would be to stay here," he revealed. "But at this moment, it is unlikely he will stay here.

"If there's a stumbling block that we can't overcome then so be it.

"My strong belief, particularly when footballers get to 35, is that I find it very hard to hand out two-year contracts to 35-year-olds - however well they've done.

"I genuinely believe if Kevin wants to stay, he should back his ability and earn his second year. We're looking for another striker regardless of what he does."