BORN TO LEEDS
Hardman Kalvin has soft side
STOKE chairman Peter Coates says the club are fighting for their lives but can beat the drop.
The Potters are in danger of a second relegation in three seasons despite an upturn in form since manager Michael O’Neill arrived.
Coates said: “There are eight teams in there fighting for their lives but I do believe we have got the players and the management to make sure we’re OK.
“Michael’s record since he came in has been hugely encouraging. But while I remain optimistic, nobody should be under any illusion about just how difficult it is going to be.
“Every game between now and the end of the season will be difficult. It might be that survival goes to the last game and we have to be prepared for that. We have to help ourselves.”
VKALVIN PHILLIPS is a hardman on the pitch – but has a heart of gold off it.
The 24-year-old epitomises the local-lad-made-good story. Leeds born and bred, he used to go to Elland Road as a kid and is proud to help his local community.
The midfielder grew up as one of five siblings in a household where his mum did two jobs to keep the family going while he babysat his brother and sisters.
Now Phillips enjoys giving something back. He was chosen as Leeds’ Community Player of the Year for a third year running, has made more appearances than any other player this term and has formed a close bond with six-year-old fan
Sarah Emmott, who has a rare kidney disease. He is a shining example for the Football League’s Day of Action next Tuesday to show the positive influence the game can have. Phillips said: “I’m from Leeds, so it’s a big part of me. I like getting to know people, finding out where they’ve come from. Sometimes the struggles relate to my own struggles.
“The props of being a Leeds player in my home city is good and the rewards in football very good, so it helps me look after my family. They are the reasons why I carry on pushing. “I didn’t have much but my mum and grandma gave me as much as they could.We weren’t a rich family and we had to work hard. But you can make a difference to people and I enjoy doing that.”
Phillips knows promotion would be huge for the fans and relishes the idea of becoming the modern-day Billy Bremner, left, as he says football has gone soft.
He said: “Billy was a big part of the team that did so well and I know I’m a big part of this team and so I relate to that.
“They’d sing a song about him playing until he’s black and blue. He was a tough little player and I try to be like that as well.
“You get people rolling around after tackles and the game has gone a bit soft.”