FORMER Southend United midfielder Harry Phillips is relishing his return to action with Maldon & Tiptree.

The 25-year-old went 13 months without playing before joining the Jammers.

And Phillips is thrilled to finally be back playing football once again.

“It’s been good,” said Phillips.

“I’m really enjoying playing football again which is the main thing for me and it’s been going well so far too.”

Phillips - who made his debut on Boxing Day - has netted twice in five games for Maldon and he is enjoying working with manager Peter Taylor.

“Peter has been really good with me,” said Phillips.

“He’s obviously got great experience in the game and it’s someone new I can learn stuff from.”

Taylor bossed England’s under 21 side for a number of years and also had a short caretaker spell in charge of the senior side back in 2000.

But nowadays the 70-year-old is helping Maldon recover from a slow start to the season.

And he has also helped Phillips to start enjoying his football again after leaving the Shrimpers at the end of last season.

“It was tough to leave Southend, of course,” said Phillips.

“I played there my whole career and met some lifelong friends.

“I played and was coached by some top people.”

Phillips spent 15 years with Blues and, after working his way through the ranks at Roots Hall, he made 14 first team appearances.

However, a substitute appearance against Altrincham in November 2021, proved to be his last game for the Shrimpers.

But he is now firmly focused on playing well for Maldon, who are now 13th in Isthmian North.

“I just want to continue enjoying playing football and then see what happens from there,” said Phillips.

“I don’t really have any hopes for the rest of the season other than enjoying my football.”

But, longer term, Phillips is still hoping to get back into full-time football once again.

“Of course I’d like to get back into full time football at some point,” said Phillips.

“But I’m enjoying myself here at Maldon so that’s all I’m thinking about at the moment.”

Phillips was on the score-sheet on Saturday as Maldon beat East Thurrock United 3-2.

And his former Blues team-mate Terrell Egbri was also on target for Peter Taylor’s side.

“Terrell and I have had a similar journey,” said Phillips.

“He’s a top guy and it’s great to still be playing with him.

“We just want to keep the good results coming now.”