I just don't understand this attitude. There's a thread on the main forum right now about City players from previous eras who played so little that we have to make a point of not forgetting them - or we have to google our squads from 1987 or 1998 to even remember they pulled on the blue shirt.
There's nothing but good vibes in those threads, with people sharing memories about the likes of Nery Castillo, Bojinov, etc. who cost us more than a few bob in transfer fees and wages but played about 15 games between them because they were hit by injuries. And that was during an era where we couldn't really afford them.
But there's no resentment there, no ill-feeling, just people expressing that it's a shame their transfers didn't work out. Some people in this thread feel like they're going to be lamenting Phillips' time here in the same way they do Danny Mills - who collected £60k-a-week for five years during the most debt-ridden era the club has endured in the modern era and expressed zero joy during his time at City while sitting on his arse, losing his place to Micah Richards, and heading out on loan to various places.
Phillips won't have cost us that much money in the grand scheme of things (if we can recoup £20m), has clearly seen his time at City as a big opportunity (one that's just been too big for him), and has played a part, however small, in the greatest season in the club's 130-year history. He hasn't complained or kicked up a fuss (a la Cancelo) or caused a row, he's just been unlucky with injuries and fitness.
So it turns out he wasn't good enough and wasn't fit enough, etc. But he's clearly been a good presence in the dressing room, a lot of the lads have got on with him, and although he won't be remembered in 10 years time or 20 years time, he should go alongside the likes of Nery Castillo and Bojinov rather than Danny Mills or Steve McMananaman. Tried his best, didn't work out, the world still turns.
(You would imagine Bernardo will get an increase in his new contract?)