Phil started his career with Reading as a trainee. After two years he left to move back up North (he was born in Warrington) to join Rochdale. Two goals in 32 appearances (mainly from the subs bench) meant after a season, he joined Leyton Orient. He barely got a game at Orient, scoring once in 5 sub appearances, and was sent on loan to Carlisle where he got another goal in 4 appearances, before being released to join Brighton for the end of the 2001/2002 season. The start of the new season saw him plying his trade with Darlington, but again, first team appearances were hard to come by, so he moved to Colchester, and then turned his back on league football and joined Leek Town. After a successful season, he was snapped up by Chester, but was not part of their league plans, and he returned to Leek. Northwich Victoria soon put him back into the top non-league division, and immediately loaned back to Leek (scored 2 goals in 5 games). On completion of the loan period, Stalybridge indicated an interest and he fills the void left by the lack of fit strikers at the club. He didn't actually score any goals (except in a friendly against Hollinwood), but he always threatened. Towards the end of the 04/05 season, he was sent on loan to Leek Town.