Ashley Phillips’ return to Blackburn Rovers was not a pleasant experience as the centre-back was booed by his former fans as Plymouth Argyle were held a 1-1 draw against ten men on Saturday.
Phillips came through the Rovers academy and made a big impression after breaking into the first-team last season, with his performance at Ewood Park convincing Tottenham to secure his services last summer.
Since joining Plymouth on loan in January, the 18-year-old has shown just why he is so highly thought of, delivering dominant and mature displays at the back, impressing in the middle as well as on the right of the back three.
However, the teenager’s return to his former stomping ground was not memorable as Plymouth were held to a draw despite Blackburn being reduced to ten men on 54 minutes when Kyle McFadzean was given his marching orders.
Ashley Phillips gets stick from some Blackburn fans
Phillips played 84 minutes before being taken off by Ian Foster as Plymouth went in search of an elusive winner, with the youngster being greeted with a chorus of boos as he walked off the pitch.
Plymouth Live gave the on-loan Tottenham defender a rating of seven out of 10 and wrote about his display: “The 18-year-old Blackburn academy product was surprisingly booed by some sections of the home supporters as he played against his former club.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“Moved into the middle of Argyle’s rearguard for this match and largely nullified the threat of striker Sam Gallagher, who began his career in the Pilgrims’ youth ranks.”
Spurs Web Opinion
While it is unfortunate that Blackburn fans decided to jeer an 18-year-old for prioritising his own career rather than staying on a sinking ship, that is the nature of modern-day fandom. In fact, I am sure Phillips might have anticipated some sort of negative reaction from his former fans.
One thing is for sure, Phillips has a bright future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and while he may have to be patient for his chance, he will break into the first-team squad in the next year or two.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
