Crewe Alexandra must act quickly to sign Bristol Rovers loan star Steve Phillips (From Crewe Guardian)

Crewe Alexandra must act quickly to sign Bristol Rovers loan star Steve Phillips

1:02pm Friday 18th December 2009

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STEVE Phillips says Crewe will have to move fast to retain his services for a promotion push.

The 31-year-old wants his future sorted out quickly and for good as he eyes a permanent move next month.

Despite a nightmare on debut against Morecambe, the experienced keeper has bounced back to play a big part in the recent Alex revival.

Although happy to stick around, Phillips isn’t interested in extending his loan deal and expects to leave Bristol Rovers on a free when the window reopens.

Some straight-talking revealed all down at Reaseheath.

“I’ve not spoken to Dario about the future yet,” he said.

“It’s up to the manager if he is interested in keeping me here and I would expect some movement very soon.

“I have spoken to Neil Baker but it needs to come from the manager.

“There won’t be an extension of a loan, that’s for sure.

“I am looking for something permanent.

“If Dario feels I can improve the team long-term, I expect him to talk to me.”

Having enjoyed his previous loan stint at Shrewsbury, Phillips could return to the League Two rivals while Scottish Premier League sides are also reportedly interested.

If he does depart, Crewe will be faced with yet another keeper crisis after fielding no less than five so far this season.

Along with Phillips, Tottenham’s David Button (now with Shrewsbury) has also figured along with Bolton loanee Adam Bogdan and contracted duo Steve Collis and Adam Legzdins.

“The longer things go on, the more opportunity there is for other clubs to make an approach,” he added.

“My agent has spoken to a couple of clubs in the SPL and Shrewsbury.

“It wouldn’t bother me where I went if the package was right for me and my family.”

All that said, Phillips does believe he can play a big part in a play-off push with Crewe.

“It won’t affect my performances,” he continued.

“I’m enjoying myself and everyone needs to believe we can do well this season because I do. This is a super club which shouldn’t be in this division.

“The play-offs are a reality.

“We shouldn’t fear anyone. We’re on a run and the defending is better.”

Crewe face struggling Torquay in back-to-back games at Gresty Road, this Saturday.

Table-topping Rochdale arrive on Boxing Day before a Cheshire derby at Macclesfield on Monday, December 28.

“It is difficult at home because everyone comes to defend like Lincoln did,” explained Phillips.

“Torquay will probably come to try and do the same so we need to be a bit more clever and take our chances.”

Boss Dario Gradi believes Christmas will be important but not crucial.

“We need to keep the fans happy but the fact that we have won more away games is just coincidence,” he said.

“We have nine points we are going for but it won’t make or break our season.

“There is a long way to go yet but we don’t fear anyone.”

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