Phillips Opts Against Premier League and Completes Birmingham Deal

Birmingham City have completed the signing of striker Kevin Phillips on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion. The 34-year-old had been holding out for a two-year contract at the Hawthorns but Albion were only prepared to offer one year.

Phillips, who scored 46 goals in 81 appearances for Albion, has now opted to join Birmingham on a two-year contract. He scored 24 goals in 38 appearances last season, helping Tony Mowbray's side win promotion to the Premier League, and was included in the PFA Championship team of the year.

Mowbray had expressed his disappointment that the striker did not "back his ability" to win a 12-month extension to the one-year contract he was offered at West Brom.

Albion and Phillips' advisers had been in negotiations for several months, with the forward making it clear that he was looking for the security that would come with a two-year deal. Mowbray, however, was not prepared to offer that level of commitment to a player who will turn 35 this month.