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How Maidstone United midfielder Michael Phillips could benefit from Stuart Lewis transfer

Michael Phillips hopes to make the Stuart Lewis role his own at Maidstone.

Phillips has been in and out of the side but Lewis' move to Dover potentially gives him the chance to play in his best position.

There's still plenty of competition in midfield with Phillips up against Ollie Muldoon, Olu Durojaiye, Jack Paxman and new signing Jack Powell.

Maidstone midfielder Michael Phillips Picture: Andy Jones
Maidstone midfielder Michael Phillips Picture: Andy Jones

But the former Palace man is desperate to show Harry Wheeler what he can do in the holding role Lewis occupied.

Phillips said: "I like a little bit of competition - I just have to prove myself.

"I feel I should be playing but it's up to the gaffer and I respect his decision.

"I just have to push hard to get into the team.

"I really need to talk about my best position.

"I'm not a No.10, I'm not a Paxman, I'm more rattling around, get on the ball, break up play.

"I feel I need to stick to holding, No.4 or No.8, just get in people's faces, break up play, cut lines of passes off.

"I don't think I'm a No.10 but I'll play anywhere just to play football because I love this game."

Phillips was upset when Jay Saunders left Maidstone but feels Wheeler, assistant manager Tristan Lewis and sports scientist Craig Lewis are making a big impact.

He said: "The gaffer, Tris, Craig, everyone's been good.

Michael Phillips in Kent Senior Cup action for Maidstone against Dover Picture: Andy Jones
Michael Phillips in Kent Senior Cup action for Maidstone against Dover Picture: Andy Jones

"It's been different but we needed something different.

"They've been a big credit to the club.

"Jay obviously trusted me to come in and perform so I was a bit upset when he left but I'm happy that I'm working under the new gaffer and everyone else."

Phillips is looking forward to getting at Leyton Orient in the FA Cup on Saturday (3pm).

The O's won 2-1 at the Gallagher in the National League in August but hold no fear for Phillips.

He said: "Last time we played them I felt we dominated.

"We let in a bad goal and everything just dropped in the stadium.

"If we hadn't conceded that goal I think we'd have beaten them.

"They're obviously a big club, a big threat, but I think we can match them or even better."

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