Reading Phillips reports make Holloway laugh

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has been sent into raptures of laughter today over reports linking his 21 year old winger Matt Phillips with a move to Reading.

The eccentric manager has been quoted in the Blackpool Gazette as dismissing the link, originally appearing in the Sun according to the local paper, with the promising Phillips and the Royals, calling it a load of nonsense.

The Daily Mail also suggested Brian McDermott’s team, on the verge of promotion to the Premier League, were after Phillips who has 12 months left on his contract, saying a £2 million deal together with Kieran Richardson of Sunderland was on the cards as Reading prepare for life with the big boys.

After returning from a loan spell with Sheffield United, Phillips has waged in with 11 goals in 33 games as the Seasiders chase a play-off position and Holloway is determined to keep his youngster at Bloomfield Road.

Holloway, always good value for a press conference, is quoted in the Gazette as asking his audience whether Reading thought he was stupid, suggesting the comedy value he sees in the story that the Blackpool boss has no idea of entertaining until the season finishes.

Reading can seal promotion to the Premier League on Tuesday night but Holloway thinks they should wait until it has actually happened before trying to add to their squad.

Despite being a relative young pup at 21, Phillips has been around for a long time in the football league having made 78 appearances for Wycombe after breaking into the senior ranks in 2008.

He may have to wait a little bit longer for the Premier League however, as Holloway is adamant his Tangerines don’t have to cash in on their promising star.

@AdamGray1250

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