Joining on a loan from National League outfit Wealdstone, Declan Phillips has wasted no time in making a positive impression for the Kings, with his consistent performance in the centre midfield position.

Since joining Kings Langley in the summer, Phillips has made 9 appearances and picked up 2 goals. However, his quality and composure have been notable, as he has shown excellent agility and ability to maintain control of the ball, despite many challenges from opposition defenders. Whilst his ability on the ball is excellent, the work he puts in off the ball has helped to recover possession in many important scenarios.

Speaking on his time at Kings Langley so far, Phillips was highly positive about the club, saying “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Kings Langley so far. Coming in as a loan player it’s tough to know how you’ll fit into a squad but I’m grateful to have been given the chance to get out and play. Starting from the first training session the squad took me in and we’ve built some good chemistry on the pitch as well as off it now.”

Declan Phillips has spent his career growing through the ranks of the academy at Wealdstone, Phillips earned his call up to the first team squad on January 29th, which was a testament to his hard work and dedication. However the importance of gaining regular first team football cannot be underestimated. He is highly appreciative of the opportunity given to him, saying “I’m really grateful to be at Kings Langley because it has provided me with the opportunity to get regular game time and also play in some huge fixtures which I have really enjoyed. All in all this is helping me learn my trade at non league level which is only going to help me and my reputation in order to make the next step at Wealdstone.”

Alongside his technical abilities and high aspirations in football, Declan’s brother Daniel is currently in the first team of League One side Stevenage. Declan has taken inspiration from Daniel during his career, saying “He’s been really good for me and if you look at what he’s doing now and what he has already done with the amount of games he’s played at professional level it just gives me more motivation to try to match him and do what’s he doing and maybe even go higher because as you know there’s always a bit of family competition in and around the house”.

After his latest goal in a 1-3 victory away at Biggleswade FC, it is a sign of things to come throughout the season, with Phillips crafting himself into a fan’s favourite. He remains highly optimistic about the future: “My mindset since I arrived at Kings Langley has always been to try to win football matches and to put on good performances for the fans that come and support us home and away. I hope I can get a few more wins in my time here and with this group of lads I back us to beat anyone on our day. Would be even better to contribute with some goals and assists.”

With Kings currently sitting around the playoff positions, Declan and his team will look to continue his impressive performances, as they will look to secure a victory in the encounter against Kidlington.

This interview is taken from the Digital Programme for Saturday's game against Kidlington.