Starting his career at Birmingham City Steve Phillips, who briefly played for Exeter City when on loan from Peterborough in 1987, predominantly featured for Brentford, Northampton Town and Southend United in a 551-game Football League career during which he scored around 200 times. He also had two spells, one on loan, with Torquay United.   

Steve began his career as an apprentice with Birmingham City and, turning professional in August 1971, made His first-team debut at the age of 17 years 17 days. Playing for the England youth team he scored the winning goal against East Germany in the UEFA Youth Final in 1973. Making 20 league appearances for Birmingham, he had a loan spell at Torquay United prior to joining Northampton Town in October 1975 where he netted nine goals from his 51 league appearances. Moving next to Brentford in February 1977, Steve was the Football League’s leading scorer in 1977/78 with 32 goals. Going on to net 65 goals in 157 league games for the Bees he was sold back to Northampton Town in August 1980 from where he moved to Southend United (66 league goals from 158 appearances) before having a short spell with Torquay United in 1986. 

Thereafter he was with Peterborough United from where he joined Exeter City on loan early in the 1987/88 season. Making his debut at Colchester on 25 September 1987, Steve played five times for City (plus a substitute appearance) and scored once against Scarborough in a team that was destined to struggle all season.. 

Returning to Peterborough, Steve later spent time with Stamford ahead of running a bar in Spain.