Local Boy Loyal ?

Much has been made of a ' local boy makes good' scenario since Steve Phillips joined City from Paulton Rovers in 1995.
I must admit that since that time Steve has given the club sterling service and has many outstanding, point earning performances to his credit. However, I do feel that Steve had, quite naturally, lost confidence during our recent run of defeats and that the manager made the right decision in replacing him with Adriano Basso.
Steve's pride was, no doubt,dented by that decision and one would expect him to be upset at losing his place as he enjoys a reputation as one of the division's best keepers.
I do, however, think that Steve is being way too premature in trying to draw a line under his City career. Basso is in pole position at the moment and with the team's improvement in form is correctly holding down the jersey, but, as I read it, Steve is still very much in the manager's thoughts.
Steve may ,of course, have knowledge of other club's interest in him, but the idea of a move to Milton Keynes Dons, of which there is now speculation, is a baffling one. I fail to see that such a move would benefit Steve in any way, with the crowds that the Dons attract surely their salary scales cannot match those at Ashton Gate.
It is also possible, of course, that there is an unreported personality clash between manager and player but, that aside, I urge Steve to remain loyal to his roots, particularly in this early stage of his testimonial year. Should the position not change by the end of the season then that, surely, is the time for
Steve to seek pastures new.

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Go on, get vitalled!