Premier League icon and ex-England star looks unrecognisable as fans compare him to sitcom icon Jim Royle

ICONIC former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has caught the attention of fans for being a doppelganger of comedy character Jim Royle. Fans took to social media to joke about the former striker’s new look on Sky Sports, with some thinking Ricky Tomlinson’s 90s sitcom, The Royle Family, had returned to screens. Legendary Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has gone viral on social media after working as a pundit on Sky Sports Credit: Sky Sports Fans compared him to sitcom character Jim Royle from 90s comedy The Royal Family Credit: BBC Phillips, who played for both Watford and Southampton, was part of Sky Sports‘ post-match coverage of the Championship opener between the two sides on Sunday afternoon. But fans couldn’t help but jokingly comment on the ex-striker’s appearance. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! They took to social media to have their say on the 1999/2000 Premier League Golden Boot winner. There seemed to be a common opinion amongst fans, who hilariously saw a resemblance with comedy character Jim Royle. One wrote: “No idea why Kevin Phillips now looks like Jim Royle.” Another said: “Kevin Phillips morphing into Ricky Tomlinson/Jim Royal.” While a third added: “Kevin Phillips rocking his best Jim Royle look right now.” The fact Phillips has scrapped his hard-man buzz cut look from his playing days for some slicked back locks, might have led fans to believe they were watching The Royle Family. Most read in Sport Phillips played for the Saints between 2003 and 2005 Credit: PA BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS However, Jim was never caught discussing Southampton’s spygate scandal of last season, which was the topic of conversation on Sky when the comments began to arrive. Watford beat the Saints 2-1 on the opening day to pile more misery on Tonda Eckert’s side, who remain on -4 points following the EFL’s ruling. It was a dream start for new Watford gaffer Alessio Dionisi as first half goals from Iker Bravo and Amin Nabizada sealed the points for the Hornets. While any result would have left the Saints rock-bottom of the table, they have not started how they would have meant to go on. Comment now