Southampton new-boy Kevin Phillips has revealed his personal heartbreak and how he’s had to put on a brave face at his Southampton unveiling and playing debut.
Phillips signed for the south coast team on Thursday afternoon and came on as a sub in Saturday’s game to help his new team-mates avoid an opening day defeat – all the time while coping with the death of his mum Sue only days earlier.
Kev told Press Association, “My Mum died last Saturday. I’ve kept quiet because it was an important week of my career. We’ve got the funeral on Wednesday, which is going to be another difficult week.
“It’s been difficult, but luckily, I’ve got people around me who are great. I’ve got a fantastic wife, a great family and today I suppose I can dedicate that goal to her.
Phillips’ father Ray died in May 1995, only six months after his son signed for Watford from non-league Baldock Town.