You're an odd duck.

Traitorous little shit, isn't he?

They're guessing with large financial incentives and teams of professionals estimating the odds. Which, with due respect, probably has more chance of accuracy than your own assessment. Not saying it's gospel. Do what you like, I'm just saying he might be a more negatively minded fan. I'm not going 'deep into it', I'm continuing a conversation at a pretty standard level. I'm sure other fans of their club think differently. Having watched a few seasons of their documentary I know their fans have had wildly differing views on how they'll adjust to different leagues. Yes it's a different step up, that's why I'm not saying they'll get automatic promotion like they have been doing every season. I don't back them for the playoffs either. But I very much doubt they will be struggling come the final month of the season. You can't bet on someone not getting relegated. And even if you could, there wouldn't be odds for it worth betting on because they're expected to do well.

I’m genuinely shocked we’ve got him again, I thought he’d get either a Prem or top-end Champo loan. He’s developing very well - comfortably our outfield PotS last season - I’d be pretty surprised if he isn’t a Prem player within the next two or three years. And he’s only just turned 20..

Money? Not everything is that, player development is what should be priority for these younger players yet it isnt JDT did used him and was doing so whilst developing him. So why haven't top Championship club sign him now then? Moving to Spurs was about one thing, money. Nothing else

Your fans seem to be pretty much in unison in what I have seen in being delighted to see him return. Our fans seem to be in unison that he made a terrible move leaving. But seems to me that hes really developing and proving himself at Stoke.

What makes you think he would have been a regular here? How long would he have waited? He left as 5th choice here, Ayala left, Hyam and Carter had just had a good season here finishing 7th and we also had Wharton ahead of him. So how do you work out that he would have been a regular? JDT wasnt using him very often, and understandably so. What has actually happened, is not that hes rotted in academy football. He has actually played far more football via loan spells rather than had he stayed here where at least short term he was back up. He has played and this season will continue to play regular Championship football and his reputation will continue to grow. Other players may have gone to League 2 or whatever. Phillips wont. Why would he. He already has proven for 18 solid months and likely a further 12 months upcoming that he is a very capable young defender. Even if he doesnt make it at Spurs, a top Championship or lower Prem club will take him, no danger. And how is it pointless for Spurs? As I said, even if he never makes their first team, theyll turn over a big profit. Good investment, no? So benefit to Phillips? More money obviously, but also loads of Championship regular football, moreso than here. Benefit to Spurs? Pick up a talented player for cheap and at worst turn over a big profit. So tell me, how have either made a mistake? How would Phillips have been in a better position even if he had played regularly and stayed?

Young players joins PL clubs far too early and going nowhere at them. We seen far too many young players moved to these clubs and end in league 2 or conference league. He would be regular here if he had stayed but even when he signed the new contract here it was pointless and Spurs waited a year. JDT was using him and developing him. It was totally utter pointless signing for Spurs cos he will never been there

Did not see that coming I must admit. Very happy though. Meanwhile a certain Steven Nzonzi was at the Stoke game today with a view to doing a bit of training/friendlies and seeing what comes of it…………

Would the only way that people have thought that his move was correct if he had gone from our bench/under 21s straight into a Premier League starting 11? He was 5th choice here when he left. When Ayala left, he would have still been 4th choice. He has instead gone on very well selected loan moves. The first one at Plymouth was probably one of only one or two teams at this level that would have regularly started him. Then onto Stoke who are a step up from Plymouth but again were willing to start him week in week out. How would he have been better off had he stayed?

I see Ashley Phillips has gone back on loan to Stoke. Should have stayed at rovers. You reap what you sow

Spain have such skilful players - rather like their men in fact. England will have to be more careful with their passing and cut out the silly mistakes. And they need to start well instead of having to chase the game again. Spain are favourites for me because of their better ability but this England team hopefully will put a fight as always.

Wharton is an absolute freak. He has progressed so rapidly because he is a special talent. Phillips is also a talent but not at that level. Poor decision by Spurs? They at the very least will make a considerable profit on the peanuts they paid? Poor decision by his agent? He would have been well paid for the move and likely again when he moves on, having seen his client really establish himself as a Championship defender so long. And even with us, it is much harder to protect yourselves with young players. Id be amazed if Tyjon is still here next season.

Like he was here when he left. He will probably be sold next summer. And assuming he continues to impress, as still a very young centre back with lots of games under his belt and having impressed at Championship level, he will have his fair share of options.

He has been given the platform to play regular Championship football, where he has really impressed at a young age. He wasnt even playing here. Why did they buy him? Big clubs often hoover up young players who have potential. Spurs werent signing a 17 year old 5th choice Championship defender to come straight in. They will have known that there was a strong chance that at the very least, they could sell him on in the future for considerable profit. They very well might next summer.

But he was behind Hyam and Carter here. And presumably would have continued to be. My main question is though. Even if he had stayed here and played a similar number of games in the same division, which I doubt but I will run with it. How would he have been in a better position in terms of reputation? I would get the argument had he gone to Spurs and stayed there in the under 21s but not based on the route he has taken. And I dont get why you are fixating on that first half season. He played was it 9 games the season prior for us. Another 6 months not playing at such a young age will not have hindered his development, even if you discount training with better players and coaches.

I’d say his career has plateaued at the moment but he’s still got youth on his side. I think he’ll have a decent career. Like a lad that used to be in our woodworking class - Craig Dawson.

We’ll have to be at our absolute best to beat Spain. Selecting the best 11 to start will be crucial.

Phillips's stock has risen to what? Why did Spurs buy for him tho in the first place?

Wales national team development coach

We didn't have an option - his agent forced us to put that pitiful clause in his contract.

And still 5th / 6th choice at his club.

Someone who works for the Welsh FA in some capacity judging by his post.

So, it's England v Spain in the final on Sunday Time for England revenge but win or lose It's going to be a great occasion. Can't wait. Rather better than watching a pub game of beer-swilling fat men throwing 'arrers

You're right, positivity can take you a long way. I've actually met some fantastic people while I've been on this journey, many of them dealing with much more than me. Unfortunately, we've just lost our 13 year old Labrador so I 100% get the joy dogs bring to everyday life Hoping to get another dog at some point but it's still a bit too raw at the moment. Sounds like you're smashing it - hope things continue to go well for you.