Greening: West Brom Miss Kevin Phillips' Goals

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CCC: Kevin Phillips, Birmingham City - Sheffield United (PA)

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West Bromwich Albion's Jonathan Greening feels the Baggies are missing forward Kevin Phillips, one of the stars of their Championship title-winning season in 2007/08.

The experienced striker played a huge role in The Baggies' promotion charge last term, netting 25 goals in all competitions as Tony Mowbray's men hauled themselves back into the Premier League.

The former Manchester United midfielder said, "Losing Kevin was a massive blow for us. He got 25 goals last season and we obviously haven't replaced those goals."

He continued, "But it's not just that - he was great to have around the place with all his experience. He was a good mate so I was disappointed to see him go."

A breakdown in negotiations between the one-time England international and the club saw him join Birmingham City, and he has continued his form in the Midlands as he netted his 10th goal of the season against Watford on Saturday.

Greening regrets that a deal could not be reached, saying, "It was between him, his agent and the chairman and they couldn't agree. That happens in football but personally I'd have liked him to stay because he's such a good player. Kevin knows where the back of the net is. He's one of the best in the business."

West Brom have scored just 11 goals in 15 top-flight games, and occupy bottom spot in the table thus far.

Captain Greening feels the club would be better off had they retained the services of Phillips, explaining, "I know he's 34 but to have his experience around on matchday and to bring him on for the last 20 minutes or so, he could always nick you a goal."

He concluded, "When you have a striker like him one year and don't the next, you're obviously going to miss him."

Will Wood, Goal.com