By Andrew McDonnell (@AndrewSJourno)
Morpeth Town are delighted to announce their first signing of the summer, midfielder Wayne Phillips.
Phillips spent the previous two seasons with South Shields, where he won the Division Two title in his first season and four trophies last season.
The former Spennymoor Town man was named Man of the Match by the BT Sport pundits in the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium at the end of May.
“I’m excited,” Phillips said. “We’re going to be very competitive next season, which the club were last season as well and ran the leaders all the way.
“To be honest, I’m just looking forward to getting started and meeting all the new lads.”
The midfielder began his career with Blyth Spartans, before going on to turn out for Whitley Bay, Gateshead and Harrogate Town.
Phillips made 84 appearances – 51 appearances last season – for the Mariners during his two-year spell there and played a pivotal role in their success thus far.
The two-time FA Vase winner believes he will bring a “hard-working” and “team” mentality with him to the club. He’s determined to help the Highwaymen challenge for silverware next season.
He added: “I’m not just going to hang my hat on just the league or a cup. We’ve got a good squad together so far.
“There’s a lot of lads that have stayed on, who are very competitive. It’s a case of we’re trying to win every competition that we’re in.
“With a bit of luck, we can get to a final and be up there in the league as well.”
Phillips would like to with South Shields the best of luck for the future and is excited by Morpeth plans going forward.
Assistant manager Keith Graydon is delighted with the new signing and said: “He’s a massive signing for the club, adding to a really strong squad next season. He’ll give us different options and a wealth of experience.”
