Career
A schoolboy international, Philliben started his career at. He earned a £70,000 transfer to Doncaster Rovers in March 1984, becoming the club"s record signing and went on to spend three years there, spending some time on loan to Cambridge United in 1986. Philliben returned to in 1987 with Motherwell, where he spent ten years.
In 1991, he helped them on their way to victory in the Scottish Cup.
In 1998, Philliben left Motherwell and returned to first club as player/manager, although he returned to Motherwell on 25 July 2008 for his testimonial match against West Ham United. After returning to Motherwell as coach, Philliben was placed temporarily in charge with Miodrag Krivokapic after Billy Davies" sacking.
Although then chief executive Pat Nevin said he had "not harmed his chances" of being appointed on a permanent basis, Eric Black was appointed instead. As of May 2005, Philliben was working outside of football as a driving instructor in his native Stirling.
Player Manager.
