Red Passion asks 20 questions to Wayne Phillips
Wayne Phillips was born in Bangor and grew up in Caernarfon (where his wife also comes from). He played his heart out for Wrexham for almost a decade (and gained immortality as an 'extra' on the front cover of Peter Jones' Wrexham: A Complete Record 1872-1992). He joined Stockport earlier this year but he still lives in Wrexham - and has no intention of moving. He still likes Wrexham and he still likes walking his dog on a Sunday morning (in particular, he still likes chatting to Wrexham fans as he walks his beloved hound). It now takes him 45 minutes to get into training every morning but he doesn't care. Peter Davies went to meet him...
Setting
It's Friday afternoon and Gary Megson is putting his Stockport team through their paces at Edgeley Park 24 hours before a big away game. I've got an appointment with the only Welsh-speaking player on Stockport's books, but the rotund club kit man is giving me grief: No, he won't let me take photos of the training session; top secret, he says (though I can't work out why). But then he turns the charm on and asks if I'd like a cup of tea. Of course, I would. He asks one of the Stockport YTS lads to brew up. The YTS lad makes poor tea, but I drink it all the same. Another YTS lad - an Irish left-back - comes in and has a joke with the guy who makes disastrous tea. They both tell me that Phillips is a decent, hardworking player (I could have told them that). They both hope to make it at Stockport, but they're a bit nervous about their prospects. Then, Phillips arrives, hot and sweaty after a serious session with Mr Megson. We get a couple of seats in the Main Stand and we start talking...
No.1 Could you tell us about your transfer?
The saga really began during the Isle of Man tournament in 1997. Stockport showed an interest then and made an offer, but Wrexham turned it down. They said the offer wasn't good enough, and I just thought it was the end of it then. In mid-season though Stockport came back with the same offer - and it was accepted.
No.2 How did you feel?
After nine-and-a-half years I was naturally upset. I'd played for Wrexham for so long - but I made the decision in three hours. It was a quick decision! In the end I feel it was a good thing. I suppose I had to get away some time - it was a step up, playing for a better side and generally a higher standard. I also knew it would be a challenge for me. But I was very upset.
No.3 How have you fitted in at Stockport?
I can see the positive side of the move now. The club's very ambitious and we had a great season last year. I'm obviously hoping to win a regular place in the side. I joined last year when there were 16 games left - I started seven and was sub in seven. I wasn't in the best form then - it was all new to me and obviously Stockport's playing style is different from Wrexham's. When I came I was on a bit of a high; but I was left out and then I got back in. I played 20 minutes against Wolves and I also got a game against Sheffield United here at home.
No.4 How do you feel about the new season?
It's quicker in the 1st Division and there are obviously better players. I feel more part of it all now and I just want to work hard. When I left Wrexham I wasn't a regular in the side, but now here, with a good pre-season behind me, I'm hoping to have a good year - if I keep working hard and I stay clear of injuries.
No.5 How do you feel about Wrexham now?
I've obviously got a big soft spot for Wrexham and I've said before that I'd love to go back there. It was a shock to move, but I'm going to give Stockport my best now. I've signed a three-year contract so I'm looking forward to a good three years here. Wrexham's is the first result I look out for now. I still live in the town and I still see the players and the coaching staff around.
No.6 What are your favourite Wrexham memories?
It's got to be the FA Cup runs: Arsenal, West Ham - when I scored - and also the European game away in Lyngby. Also playing Man United - I'm a United fan so that was a great occasion. Being involved with Wrexham was exciting all round. As a Welshman as well I think it meant a bit more. All the English lads gave 100 per cent, but because I'm Welsh I think I gave 110 per cent. It was as if I was playing for my country.
No.7 Who were your favourite players at Wrexham?
In my best year, 1996-7, I enjoyed playing with Peter Ward and down the right-hand side I feel I had a good understanding with Craig Skinner and Mark McGregor. Karl Connolly was a good player too. In terms of potential, I think that Mark McGregor could easily go all the way. Dave Brammer's another one. I also thought that Karl would have played at a higher level by now - he's always had the potential.
No.8 How do you view Brian Flynn?
I can't speak too highly of him - and also Cliff Sear, Kevin Reeves, and Joey Jones. They were all a great help to me. Brian never ranted and raved. He knows how to help players and he gets everyone's respect because of that.
No.9 How do you feel about Rush joining Wrexham?
I just wish I had still been there to play alongside him. It's a great signing and I know the town's buzzing. I think he could get the goals that Wrexham have been lacking. Rush was always an idol of mine - but as a United fan my no.1 idol always had to be Mark Hughes.
No.10 How close do you think you are to the Welsh squad?
I've been quite close. I've been on the bench for five or six games, and three of these have been World Cup qualifiers, but I've just not got on. I played in a 'B' international recently, but I really need to get back playing the way I was two years ago. I wouldn't say that I'm competing with another midfielder in particular; it just depends on how Bobby Gould decides to play. I think he gives players a chance if they're playing well for their club so my aim is to get noticed. I hope my chance will come - playing for Wales would mean so much to me.
No.11 How important is your Welshness to you?
Being Welsh is very important to me - I wouldn't like to change it. I get a lot of stick but I'm very proud of it.
No.12 What are your ambitions?
With Stockport it would be really nice to have a good season this year - maybe just do a bit more and get to the play-offs. We were only two games away from the play-offs last season - only a few games away from the Premiership. I don't really think that people realised this.
No.13 How would you describe yourself as a player?
I think I work hard and I think I'm quite fit. I think I'm one of the fittest here - I think every club needs a player like me. I'm probably not the most gifted player but I get up and down. I'm always willing to work hard.
No.14 What are your favourite goals?
The 40-yard toe-poke against Rhyl in the Welsh Cup on my debut! Also the one at West Ham. They all seem to be from outside the box - not just two-yard tap-ins! I'm never far enough upfield for that!
No.15 Who's your favourite Wrexham player?
It has to be Joey Jones - particularly the way he was with me. He was great to have around - I can't speak too highly of him.
No.16 What did you think of the World Cup?
I wanted England to do well - my Mum's English! My favourite player was probably Michael Owen - incredible for an 18-year-old.
No.17 Who was your favourite player in your kind of role?
The French guy Petit - he was up and down the field. It showed in particular in the final - he was bombing all over the place. He's had a fantastic year.
No.18 Can you tell us about your media work?
I've done quite a bit for the Welsh media - S4C, BBC. I've done co-commentary and the summariser's job on radio and TV. I've been in the studio for various cup finals and I did quite a bit when I was injured. I really enjoyed it. When I finish playing it's something I'd love to do more of - I'd really like Dai Davies' job!
No.19 What's your favourite food and drink?
Spagbol! Not beer - something like lucozade.
No.20 What's your favourite TV programme and your favourite music?
Any sports programme: tennis, golf on Sky, athletics, cricket. I can watch anything! With music it's all sorts - Catatonia, Oasis and I love U2.