Keeper released to move back home

Keeper Steve Phillips has been released by Nantwich Town three days ahead of the kick off to the new EVO-STIK League season.

The 36-year-old, pictured, signed on at the Weaver Stadium this summer following his release by Crewe Alexandra after five successful years at Gresty Road. He considered retiring two years ago after injury and is relocating with his family back to the West Country and understood to be joining Shepton Mallet FC.

The Premier Division club announced on Wednesday that they'd agreed to release Phillips from his recently signed contract so that he can continue to play Non-League football with the Western Football League Division One side near to his new home where his wife is taking up a position at Bath General Hospital.

Manager Danny Johnson said: "Steve would have been a real fans' favourite. I have no doubt about that. But Non-League is a turbulent environment. Everyone connected with the club wishes Steve the very best of luck for the future."

A Dabbers spokesman added: "The club would like to thank Steve for his time at the club and we wish both himself and his family the very best for the future in their new life in the West Country."