Goalkeeper Steve Phillips has played over 500 matches in his career

Crewe have taken up the option of extending goalkeeper Steve Phillips' contract for a further 12 months.

The 32-year-old had shoulder surgery in the summer and has been restricted to just one start for the Alex this season due to the form of Rhys Taylor.

However, a clause in his contract gave both parties the chance to extend the deal if Phillips had been fit and available for selection for 15 matches.

Phillips will stay at the Alexandra Stadium until the summer of 2012.

"A couple of weeks ago I was a bit unsure of the future," Phillips told BBC Radio Stoke. "I think everyone's pleased with my recovery from the shoulder injury and my availability for the first team.

"Somewhere along the line I'll keep putting Rhys under pressure and hopefully before the end of the season I'll get a chance."

Phillips joined Crewe on loan in November 2009 and played 29 times last season before agreeing a permanent contract with the League Two club.

Manager Dario Gradi was aware that a shoulder injury would keep Phillips out of action for the early part of the current campaign and signed Wales Under-21 international Taylor on loan from Chelsea in the summer.

Phillips has spoken regularly of his desire for first team football and had the chance to join fellow League Two side Lincoln on loan in January, only for the move to fall through at a late stage.

His only start for Crewe this season came in the 2-1 victory over Bradford on 25 January, while Taylor was serving a one-match suspension after being sent off in a defeat at Aldershot three days earlier.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version