Phillips was a member of the Plymouth team that reached the semi-final of the FA Cup in 1984, losing 1–0 to Watford. Whilst at Manchester City he featured several times on the BBC's Match of the Day programme as a Goal of the Month nominee, scoring a number of spectacular long-range goals.
Coventry City
An early signing by George Curtis & John Sillett, Phillips was a useful player to have in any squad due to his versatility, as he could play on either flank both defensively and offensively. He was probably at his peak during the 86/87 FA Cup winning season, where the team spent the entire season in the top ten. As at Manchester City, Phillips was a strong industrious midfielder that could drop back into a defensive position if need be, but it was his long range striking ability which often caught the eye. Memorable goals include a 25-yard strike during a 4–1 defeat of QPR in 86/87 and the following season, going to then champions Everton, and scoring a pile-driver, again from outside the box, in a 2–1 win at Goodison Park. His 1987 FA Cup Final appearance typified his time at the Sky Blues, industrious, hard working and fast on the counterattack. His three seasons at Coventry coincide with some of the most stable and successful times in the club's history.
Norwich City & Nottingham Forest
The £550,000 fee that Norwich City paid Coventry for him in 1989 was at the time a club record. He scored within three minutes of his debut for the Canaries in a 2–0 win at Sheffield Wednesday. He was part of the Norwich side that finished third in the inaugural Premiership season 1992–93, but left the club in the summer of 1993 after a contract dispute, joining Nottingham Forest. He helped Forest win promotion to the Premiership in his first season at the City Ground, winning the club's Player of the Year award.
International career
Phillips made his senior debut for Wales on 2 May 1984 in a 1–0 Home Championship win over England, and soon become a regular for the national side. He was capped a total of 62 times for Wales, scoring twice. His last cap came on 24 January 1996 in a 3–0 friendly defeat to Italy.
Personal life
David's son Aaron Phillips is a professional footballer on the books of Kidderminster having previously played for Coventry City and had a loan spell at Nuneaton Town.
