13 goal contributions in 24 league games. It's actually none in his first 8 and 13 in his last 16 appearances. I don't think we've had a central midfielder as involved in the goals since Conor Hourihane.
Hourihane scored more goals in less games for us than Howard, Mowatt not miles behind either of them (in the league at least, iirc). But at this rate, if we keep him, Phillips will piss all over 'em!!
Had a little scout at central mids we've had in the last 15 years or so who used to score or assist quite a lot: 22/23 - Adam Phillips 7 goals 6 assists and counting. 20/21 - Alex Mowatt 8 goals 7 assists (Champ) 18/19 - Alex Mowatt 8 goals 9 assists (League 1) 16/17 - Conor Hourihane 6 goals 10 assists (Champ) 15/16 - Conor Hourihane 10 goals 11 assists (League 1) 14/15 - Conor Hourihane 13 goals 15 assists (League 1) 10/11 - Jacob Butterfield 5 goals 7 assists (Champ - 24 games only) 09/10 - Hugo Colace 7 goals 5 assists (Champ) 07/08 - Brian Howard 13 goals 6 assists (Champ) 06/07 - Brian Howard 8 goals 5 assists (Champ)
He's been magic these last couple of months, has a real knack of being in the right place at the right time and usually makes it count. Gotta admit, the first few games I saw from him, I couldn't even tell you what he was for, he wasn't involved in the game at all. Goes to show the the thousandth time you shouldn't judge a player on a handful of games. I'm reading the other thread where others are saying we should sign Watters and Tedic will be a Championship player and completely scratching my head. Then I remember how wrong I was about Phillips and that I know f*** all about football, like most on here!
The only reason I didn't go that far back is because I couldn't get the assist stats for the second tier prior to 2001. In the Premier League season, he scored 10 and assisted 2 though.
Those two L1 campaigns from Conor were outrageous. Two consecutive seasons with 10+ goals and assists from centre midfield is just ridiculous. There's every chance Phillips could end with 10+ goals and assists this season which shows how well he's doing.
I remember the press raving about Bradley Dack a couple of seasons after posting similar numbers for Blackburn in league 1. I don't think he managed 28 goals and assists like Conor did in 14/15 though.
No I don't think he did either. I'm sure he was also playing as a number 10 behind the striker unlike Conor who was an out and out CM in the Hecky 442.
the lad is class. he strolls thru games and oozes class. wonderful positioning sense. him and herbie and luca are quality.
Not suggesting otherwise mate. Had Hourihane stayed with the squad we had, I reckon he'd be miles in front. Howard was excellent for us in that 07/08 season - we often seem to pluck midfielders out from somewhere! Phillips, Connell & Kane all look like they can be as impactful as our former mentioned players!
so right. never judge a player on a handful of games. never ever. People need time to grow and as fans we are far too impatient. this team have had so much stick this season it beggars belief. I really hope that all those ultra negative critics can now see things differently... ......oh and there goes another pink pig flying across the sky.
Having just watched the highlights clip I was amazed to see, for the incident highlighted before his goal and for the goal itself, Phillips wandering about around the edge of the box with yards of space. You'd have thought there'd been enough evidence of what he can do from that area this season for opposition managers to warn their players to stay tight on him.