Defender Mark Phillips glad at Southend United return
Last updated on .From the section Football
Southend United defender Mark Phillips says he's relieved to have made a return to the first team.
Phillips, 28, made just three starts for the Shrimpers last season, but played 90 minutes in their 1-0 win over Hereford United on Saturday.
He told BBC Essex: "It's very nice to be back, I've worked hard over the last five months.
"I had to be patient. The manager's the best judge of fitness and character, I'm glad to be back in the team."
Former Millwall centre-back Phillips joined the club from Brentford in August 2010, but was blighted by hamstring and hernia problems last season.
The Hereford win was his first action since mid-February.
