'Prove people wrong' - £6m West Brom star's first words as he transfers to Championship rivals

Former West Brom winger Matt Phillips believes he still has a lot to offer after his move to Oxford United was confirmed.

The 33-year-old has signed with the U's for their first season back in the Championship after leaving the Hawthorns this summer. His contract with the Baggies wasn't renewed as they overhaul the squad, where they have got rid of some experienced players.

Phillips, linked with a return to Wycombe Wanderers, has instead remained in the second tier, and wants to help his new side prove the doubters wrong. As League One play-off winners, plenty of bookmakers and pundits are predicting that they might only spend a year in the division, and are being tipped to go down.

The signing of Phillips however will have increased their chances of survival. He has played 280 games in the Championship, and was part of promotion winning sides at West Brom and QPR.

“I’m delighted," said Phillips to the Oxford United official club website.

"It’s a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve had a few days of training already and I’m delighted to get started. I noticed from walking in that it’s a very tight group that’s together, which showed in getting up through the play-offs.

“I want to have another successful season with the team here and I feel like I have a lot to offer. This is an opportunity for me to come and play football and really go and do something special.

“I don’t want to put a target on things. People might write us off, but I want to prove people wrong and reach for the stars and let us see where it takes us.”

Phillips spent eight seasons as a player at West Brom and he will come up against his former employers on Saturday, October 19 in front of the Sky Sports cameras. The date for his return to the Hawthorns is Saturday, February 22, 2025.