Nat Phillips hoping to draw on experience to help guide West Brom to promotion push
Nat Phillips has outlined his burning desire to help West Brom achieve promotion to the Premier League.
The defender has played a key role in Albion’s strong start to the season, netting his first goal for the club to secure victory at Stoke City before the international break.
Despite it still being early in the campaign, with Albion sitting second and unbeaten, Phillips has already set his sights on achieving something special.
“I don't think it's a secret, but that's (promotion) the goal of ours,” said Phillips.
“But, it is very early in the season, so we need to carry on as we have been doing and keep up the good work.”
The former Liverpool defender is no stranger to securing promotion to the top flight, having been part of the Bournemouth side that finished second in the Championship in 2022.
Asked whether he hopes his experience can help in the dressing room and with other players, he continued: “I would like to think so, yes.
“I've been in those moments where there's high expectations, much like here at Albion.
“My goal is to get promoted, however that may be. So the standards that we need to meet are high.
“I've had experience in that environment before,so hopefully I can draw on that.”
This season has marked new beginnings at the club with the arrival of new head coach Ryan Mason and several new players.
And from what he has seen and experienced so far, Phillips - who has become a very popular figure amongst supporters - believes there is “no fear” in this Albion side.
“In the moments where things have got tough, I feel like, so far this season, we've stood up to the challenge and stood tall, so long it may not continue,” he said.
Reflecting on his own approach, the defender added: “I think it's important for centre-backs to have that mindset because, especially in this league, you've going to come up in some tough battles, tough physical battles, and you've got to be able to match it.”
Albion return to Championship action on Saturday, welcoming Derby County to The Hawthorns.
The Baggies were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by the Rams last month, losing on penalties after conceding in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
