Ashley Phillips: The Secret Transfer, Saying No to Spurs and a Mother’s Love that Endures Through All

Ashley Phillips’ footballing life has, at every turn, been characterised by the need to learn life lessons, and do it fast.  

In this episode of Potters’ Pod, the defender reflects on growing up in Salford, the sacrifices his mum made to help him chase a football dream, and the moment he realised he needed to push himself if he wanted to make it as a professional.

He talks through his breakthrough at Blackburn, saying ‘no’ to Spurs before ultimately joining the Premier League giants a year later and how he adjusted, at the age of 18, to life in London. 

Ashley discusses learning from elite players at the Lilywhites and why regular first team football continues to be key to his development.

He explains the circumstances surrounding each of his two loan moves to Stoke, including the exclusive feat in the modern-day game of keeping his signing a secret until the moment it was announced.

Phillips speaks of why the dressing room environment makes the Potters feel like home and why he is infinitely grateful to club legend Ryan Shawcross.

Away from the pitch, there’s plenty of talk about gaming, an NFL obsession, darts, digs, and the friendships he has formed through football. 
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