Phillips out, Healy in
Southampton FC have completed the signing of Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, and will unveil him at a news conference at 3pm today (Thurs).
Sunderland today confirmed that the deal has gone through: "Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips today completed a £3.25 million move to Southampton. A club spokesperson said: "Kevin has been a great servant for Sunderland Football Club and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future."
Meanwhile as one player leaves the Stadium of Light, another one arrives - Mick McCarthy has finally completed the signing of Celtic midfielder Colin Healy.
Healy, 23, agreed in principle to join Sunderland almost a month ago, and passed a medical and agreed personal terms last week - but the transfer of his registration was delayed by a disagreement with Celtic over whether or not compensation was due.
Peter Reid attempted to use the delay to sign Healy for himself, offering the player a week-long trial at Elland Road, and commenting that he could foresee no problems in signing Healy. But Healy was ommitted from Leeds' final pre-season friendly on Tuesday night and soon after decided to commit himself to Sunderland and his former Republic of Ireland gaffer, signing a two year deal.
Mick McCarthy said:
"I'm delighted that Colin is joining us. There was some stiff
competition for his signature, including Premier League Clubs, so it's
very pleasing to have secured the services of a player of his quality.
I know Colin well and am fully aware of his strengths - he'll be a great
additon to our squad."
Colin Healy said:
" I'm delighted to get the whole thing sorted and be joining Sunderland.
" I've been keeping in touch with Mick McCarthy since the end of the
season and I was always hopeful that things would go through.
" I knew that my coming to Sunderland was dependent upon other players
leaving but I was prepared to hang on because I think this will be a
great club to be part of, I know from my time with the Republic of
Ireland that Mick is a good manager and someone I can work with.
" Now I just want to get involved in training, pull on a Sunderland
shirt as soon as possible, and do my best to get the team and the club
back into the Premiership".
PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Colin Healy
Date of Birth: 14.03.80
Place of Birth: Cork, Ireland
Height: 5ft 11ins
Weight 76kg
POSITION
Midfielder
INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCES
9 caps for Republic of Ireland
CAREER HISTORY
1998 - 2003 Celtic
