Proud Phillips hails Shields after getting reign off to dream start
Kevin Phillips praised his new players as his managerial career got off to a “dream start” in South Shields’ 2-1 win at promotion rivals Warrington Town.
Phillips must have felt the management lark was easy as his Mariners raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 16 minutes against their in-form opponents at Cantilever Park.
Warrington demonstrated why they had lost just one of their previous 14 league games by pulling a goal back and putting Shields under some pressure towards the end, but Phillips’ new charges stood firm – much to his delight.
He said: “To go 2-0 up so early was a dream start but credit to Warrington, because they got back into it.
“It’s an extremely tough place to go and it was always going to be a physical battle.
“You always want to get off to a winning start, so naturally I’m absolutely delighted with the players.
“I thought they were outstanding in terms of their battling qualities and individual duels.
"They were excellent collectively and worked together as a unit to drive each other on.
“Everything we spoke to them about and worked on in the week was taken by the players into the game, and I’m extremely proud of them.”
Phillips admitted there were some nervous moments in the closing stages as Shields kept Warrington at bay.
He added: “Managerial jobs are stressful and you’ve seen with managers over the years that your appearance can change very quickly when you get stressed.
“In my first meeting with the players, I said ‘please don’t stress me!’ and I walked in after the game and said, ‘what did I say to you on Thursday? Don’t stress me out!’.
“I can feel myself going grey already and I’ve only had one game in charge, but I loved it.
“It was just great to be back and I’ve really enjoyed my first few days.
“I know it’s very difficult for the players, who were absolutely incredible in the way they conducted themselves after losing their former manager.
“That can be very difficult but their response has been excellent.”