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Michael Phillips may have dropped a level to rejoin Maidstone - but it doesn’t feel that way.
The midfielder says it’s amazing to be back at the Gallagher after two seasons with Wealdstone.
He helped the Londoners win National South and was a regular last season in the National League.
But when he struck an agreement to leave for free, there was only one place the ex-Crystal Palace man wanted to play.
Player-of-the-year in his previous spell at Maidstone, a campaign that ended in relegation to National South, he wants to lead Hakan Hayrettin’s side back to non-league’s top flight.
“It’s amazing being back,” said Phillips, 23. “I knew a week or two before that I’d be leaving Wealdstone and basically came to an agreement to let me leave for free.
“When that came out, I had a call from Haks and a few other managers in National South and the National League, but Maidstone was the right one.
“When I was here before it was quite professional, training three mornings a week, and I needed that after leaving Crystal Palace.
“When I went to Wealdstone it was two nights a week or sometimes one, so it’s good coming back here knowing how professional it is.
“I’ve missed full-time football these last couple of years, and the intensity that goes with it, and I’ve missed the club.
“The fan base is great, they’ve great owners in Oliver (Ash) and Terry (Casey) and I’ve always got on well with Bill (Williams, chief executive).
“It’s just a good club. It’s stepping down a league but I don’t see it like that because of everything Maidstone’s got going for it.
“People ask what the difference is between the two leagues but, because Maidstone’s a big club, I don’t care about dropping down.
“In my eyes they should be in the National League, not National South.
“Hopefully I can come back and help get Maidstone back where they belong.
“We’ve got good experienced players who’ve played in the National League, Haks has managed in there before, so we all know what it takes to get back.
“It’s about hard work, performances and getting those wins.”
Phillips joined Maidstone under Jay Saunders towards the end of the 2017/18 season after leaving Palace.
He signed a new deal that summer and was the shining light in an otherwise disappointing 2018/19 season that ended in relegation.
Harry Wheeler, Saunders’ successor, moved him to right-back, and by the time Hayrettin and John Still arrived, the Stones were firmly in the bottom four.
“Jay was the reason I first loved this club,” said Phillips.
“He took me in and played me in midfield and I really enjoyed it.
“Once the new manager came in, I don’t know if he wanted me out of the team, but he put me at right-back, and I did well, but I feel centre midfield is the position for me, so I hope I get to play there this season.”
Hayrettin remains but he’s working with Terry Harris, rather than Still, these days.
It’s a combination Phillips, who’s recovering from a slight groin injury, likes the look of.
“I didn’t have long with John and Haks but Haks has always had the same personality,” he said.
“Since I’ve come back, him and Terry are perfect together and I’m really enjoying it.
“I speak to Haks all the time and I’m raring to go.
“I’m so happy to be back and I really appreciate all the messages from the fans. I’m overwhelmed at the response.”
Maidstone's friendly against Sutton at the Gallagher tomorrow has been cancelled due to a Covid case in the visitors' camp.
