IT was a case of 'King Kevin' at The Hawthorns yesterday as Albion's inspirational top scorer was crowned the West Bromwich Albion Disabled Supporters' Club's Player of the Year.

The 24-goal hitman, fresh from superbly setting up Zoltan Gera's Black Country derby winner two days previous, was presented with his gong at the Baggies' annual open day for WBADSC members.

Phillips said: "I'm delighted to win this award.

"It's great to be recognised by your own fans.

"It was also fantastic to meet so many of our disabled supporters at their open day.

"It is a great event put on by the club and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves."

Phillips is content with his season thus far but hopes there is an even bigger prize around the corner.

"It could obviously have been better if I hadn't missed two months through injury," he admitted.

"Other than that, I'm pleased with how things have gone.

"But it will all count for nothing if we don't finish off the job over the next three games.

"We're all fully focussed on tomorrow's game and I'm hoping we'll all have something to celebrate in two weeks' time."

In keeping with tradition, manager Tony Mowbray switched training to The Hawthorns to allow around 60 WBADSC members to watch a full session from the East Stand's disabled facilities.

Afterwards, they were treated to a hot-fork buffet in the Pennington Suite before Mowbray and his squad dropped in to sign autographs and pose for photos.

All the players were given rapturous welcomes as they individually entered the room but arguably the loudest cheer was reserved for the arrival of Gera following his 59th-minute winner at Wolves.

The sixth annual WBADSC open day was also attended by members of the club's visually impaired football team.

Manager Mowbray said: "This is something we do every year and I think it¹s very important.

"It¹s good to interact with the fans and we¹re more than happy to put this facility on to enable the disabled supporters to watch training."

There was a further significant boost for the WBADSC as Bob Taylor, who also attended the open day, agreed to become the organisation's patron.

You can find out more about the WBADSC, and get details on how to join, by visiting the following website: www.wba-dsc.co.uk

PIC: KING KEV...Phillips receives his award from Stephen Brettle, who represents Albion's disabled supporters on the club's consultancy group