Kevin Phillips' new look draws comparisons to 'The Royle Family' character Jim Royle

Published Aug 17, 01:06 AM UTC

Former England international and Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips sparked fan discussion after appearing as a guest commentator for Sky Sports with a drastically changed appearance. Phillips, known for a short buzz cut during his playing days, now sports long hair combed back, leading fans to compare him to Jim Royle, a character from the classic British sitcom 'The Royle Family.' The appearance comments emerged during Sky Sports' post-match coverage of the Championship season opener between Watford and Southampton, which Watford won 2-1. Southampton, starting the season with a -4 point penalty from the English Football League, remains at the bottom of the table. Phillips was on air discussing Southampton's 'Spygate' controversy from last season.