Phillips began his career as an apprentice with Rotherham United, where he turned professional and made his debut during the 1969–70 season.
Over the next decade Phillips made more than 300 Football League appearances for the Millers, scoring 80 goals.
In June 1979, Phillips moved to fellow Football League Division Three side Hull City, but the following March he joined Chester for a club record £55,000.
[1] Phillips returned to Chester to play for the club in their final game of the season but then made a permanent switch to Edgeley Park in the summer of 1982.
[2] After leaving professional football, Phillips began working as a painter and decorator while living in Tarvin near Chester.