Veteran striker Kevin Phillips takes the Holloway road to Blackpool

Kevin Phillips, who will turn 38 this month, has extended his career for another year by signing for Blackpool. The former England international, who was released by Birmingham City at the end of last season, has signed a 12-month deal with the Championship club. Phillips will link up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour in Portugal. "Like everyone else in the country, I enjoyed watching Blackpool play and creating chances [last season]," said Phillips. "It was exciting to watch and Ian Holloway is an infectious manager. That was certainly a major factor in me wanting to join Blackpool." Barry Ferguson looks like following in the footsteps of Phillips. Ferguson, who had one year remaining on his contract and was one of the highest earners at Birmingham, is understood to be in talks with Blackpool. Another player who was part of the squad at St Andrew's last season, Lee Bowyer, has joined Ipswich Town on a free transfer.