Michael Phillips says two games at Ashford United has helped rekindle his love for football.

Forced to quit the pro game 10 years ago due to injury, the 31-year-old former Gillingham and Maidstone midfielder spent six weeks at Cray Wanderers after leaving the Gallagher Stadium, but says things didn’t go to plan.

Phillips said: “Maidstone didn’t want me to leave, but I am not getting any younger and just wanted to play, rather than sit on the bench.

“I had a couple of offers from Ryman League Premier Division clubs but I have known Don Crosbie for years since playing Sunday morning football in Maidstone. He rang me a few weeks ago asking me to come down and I then spoke to Danny Lye.

“I lost my love for the game at Cray, but I have got it back now.

“I have played against Darren Marsden before, but this is the first time I have played with him, and it’s good because we are similar sort of players.”

He added: “I think I have come into the club at a great time. It’s a nice set-up and everybody has been very welcoming. I had a good few years with Maidstone, and I hope to do the same here.

“We are still going for promotion, and in the FA Vase, I already feel a part of it, and I am really enjoying it.”

United start the new year with a home Southern Counties East League game against Beckenham on Saturday. The visitors are sixth, one place and two points below them in the table.