#MichaelExtends & Interview
Wealdstone Football Club are delighted to announce that midfielder Michael Phillips has signed a new contract for an undisclosed length.
The versatile 21-year-old has started all five opening games for the Stones so far this season, earning a goal and an assist in our last fixture against Hemel Hempstead.
After impressing in the opening few weeks of the season, the midfielder has agreed to a new contract with the club.
Phillips was voted Maidstone United's Player of the Season in 2018/19 when the Kent-based side were in the National League after his first full season in men's football.
Dec O'Reilly caught up with Michael after securing his new deal:
"Yeah, I feel good because the team are going in the right direction. I knew from the first friendly I played against Watford that the boys had a bit about them.
"I like the coaches [and] I like the players so I thought it would be good to sign a new deal as I believe the club are going in the right direction, hopefully into the National League next year if we keep going well.
"The club's got great facilities, at the training ground the pitch is wonderful. Dean [Brennan], [Stuart] Maynard, Kingy [Gary King] [and] all the backroom staff are great and they know what they're doing alongside a great bunch of lads."
On the visions that Wealdstone have swaying him to sign...
"Before I signed, or anywhere I've signed, I've always done by background check and obviously I've seen them [Wealdstone] get in the play-offs last year. Unfortunately, they lost 3-2 to Woking [in the play-off semi-final]. By the looks of it, we've got better players than last year.
"We've got experienced players who know how to win the league and know how to see out games. I obviously don't want to jinx it but I do think we are capable of getting [in the] top six or win the league."
On the management setting him one position...
"Previously at Maidstone, I was right-back [or] centre-back, left-back [and] all over the place. When I was on the phone to [Stuart] Maynard, I got the call to come in.
"They [Dean Brennan & Stuart Maynard] saw me as a holding midfielder and no other position, that drew me towards them. I can actually nail down one position, it seems that I suit the club and the club suits me so it was the perfect place to come."
On gaining confidence playing under the new management...
"The Gaffer has wanted me for a while so both of them [Dean Brennan & Stuart Maynard] have known of me [and] I knew them but they had respect for me [and] didn't want to come and contact me directly about joining them [at other clubs].
"To know that two managers want you is a bonus, it makes me feel welcome and wanted."