GARETH PHILLIPS is one of many players who dropped out of Nationwide League football at the end of last season. Like many others he found himself squeezed out following the change in the game's
financial climate.
The collapse of ITV Digital led to most clubs trimming their staff and Swansea City were no exception
following a difficult season on and off the park. Gareth was one of those called into the manager's office in the spring of 2003 to be told his contract would not be renewed.
He said: "I played a lot in the first team last season but I was left out of the last four games. Brian Flynn had taken over as manager and I always felt I did well under him, but he called me in and told me the news without giving any reasons. It was not a nice thing to hear and it was the biggest disappointment of my career."
Born in Church Village, Gareth had been connected with the Vetch Field club since he was 13. Like many others he was spotted by former Swans youth team manager Ron Walton and, after attending a training camp at Ogmore, he signed schoolboy forms, later progressing to YTS and full professional status.
He made his league debut at the age of 17 when Jan Molby was in charge and continued as managers came and went. Molby was briefly succeeded by Micky Adams before Alan Cork, and then John Hollins, took charge.
Gareth said: "The club became like a second
home to me and I set up home in Swansea. But after winning the Third Division championship and promotion three years ago, they did not seem to have the money to invest in new players and strengthen the side."
The euphoria of the 1999-2000 season was followed with immediate relegation back to the basement division though Gareth did manage to get a regular place in the side and picked up some man-of-the- match awards as they battled to avoid the drop. Playing regularly did put him in the spotlight and he eamed three under-21 call-ups for Wales, playing against Ukraine, Armenia and Belarus.
He said: "I had played at under fifteen, sixteen and eighteen levels and now I only need a full cap to complete the set." Hollins lost his job the season after relegation and Colin Addison had a short stay as manager assisted by Peter Nicholas before financial problems forced further changes at the top. Nick Cusack took over before Brian Flynn was placed in charge exactly a year ago and last season was spent fighting further relegation with Swans finishing only a point ahead of Conference-bound Shrewsbury.
Gareth said: "I am confident I am good enough to play in the league and I want to prove Brian Flynn wrong in releasing me, but there were other considerations I had to make when I left Swansea. If I joined another league club it would have to be financially viable because I would have to move home.
"I also have to think of my partner Jenine and our two daughters, Casey Leigh and Harleigh May. I did have a trial at Yeovil but Casey has just started school and I don't want to have to uproot the family unless I am sure everything is right.
"I spoke to Terry Evans after he signed for Newport and so far I have not seen any big differences from playing Third Division football. Some teams like to play as Weymouth seem to, but there are others who are big and strong and like to knock it long.
"I am glad we were able to settle after our disappointing opening few results and one of the good things is the team spirit here."
Gareth has been known as ‘Gazza’ since he was a teenager at the Vetch, though his all-action game, and no doubt his lifestyle, differ from the former England star with whom he shares his nickname.