Liverpool-born Ferns signed for Sam Ellis's Blackpool, who were then in the Fourth Division, in the summer of 1983. His father, also called Phil, played 18 times for Liverpool F.C. in their 1963-64 title winning season. He made his debut for the Tangerines in the opening League game of the 1983-84 campaign, a single-goal victory over ReadingatBloomfield Road. He went on to make a further 36 starts and one substitute appearance.[2]
The following season, 1984-85, he made six starts and two substitute appearances as Blackpool finished runners-up and won promotion to Division Three. His final appearance for the Seasiders came on 23 February, a 1–0 victory at home to Southend United.[2]
After retiring from professional football, Ferns became a police officer with Hampshire Constabulary, and then later Dorset Police.[citation needed]
