Phillips joined West Bromwich Albion in 1979, but failed to make an appearance and decided to sign for Barnet in 1981.
Phillips started his footballing life as a centre forward until the age of 13 when he played as goalkeeper for his school team.
[4] He then moved on to play for Chalfont St Peter in non-League, before signing non-contract terms with Brighton & Hove Albion in early 1978 where he stayed for eight months.
[4] On his 17th birthday, he signed for West Bromwich Albion, failing to make an appearance,[4] though he worked for the club as a member of the ground staff.
[4] Phillips then had a spell at Reading, before rejoining Barnet on loan in 1988 to provide cover for injured goalkeepers Steve Humphries and Andy Lomas.
[4][7] He then joined Hereford United on loan in 1989, making six League appearances before signing for Barnet on a permanent basis.
[4] He retired after letting in a penalty to Jon Seager Following the departure of manager Barry Fry to Southend United, Phillps was appointed as player-manager by new chairman Ricky George, at the start of the 1993–94 season.
[16] Phillips was placed on gardening leave on 10 September,[17] after the club announced its intent to appoint a new manager a few days prior.
[19] After a poor run of results and leaving Hemel Hempstead Town second from bottom in the Southern Football League, in the relegation zone, Phillips was sacked from his post as manager.
[20] In March 2011, Phillips rejoined Barnet as a goalkeeping coach to aid manager Martin Allen and the club's battle against relegation back to the Conference National.