Done deal – Charlton Athletic confirm new contract for goalkeeper Dillon Phillips
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Dillon Phillips has signed a new deal with Charlton Athletic until the summer of 2021.
The 23-year-old had been due to be out of contract at the end of June.
But Addicks boss Lee Bowyer told the South London Press in today’s edition that an extension was very close.
Phillips has had a second crack at the number one spot this season after Jed Steer returned to parent club Aston Villa.
Charlton signed Preston North End’s Chris Maxwell but the academy product has played the last six matches – conceding just three goals.
Phillips told Valley Pass: “I’m delighted. Excluding Saturday our recent run of form has been really good and I’ve been happy to be a part of that. Hopefully there is more good times to come. First and foremost, hopefully we can keep doing well and gain promotion this season.
Photograph by Keith Gillard
“It’s the club I signed for at 8-years-old. I think I’m in my 16th year here now. It’s been a long time, there have been some ups, there have been some downs. I’ve met loads of good people on the way, I’m looking forward to the next two and half years.”
Manager Lee Bowyer said: “He deserves it. He’s come back into the side and he’s been excellent. The most important thing for us is we’ve got him at the football club for the next couple of years. I’m over the moon for him.
“Since Marsh (goalkeeper coach Andy Marshall) has come in I think he’s improved. As a goalie his distribution is better, so he’s ticking all the boxes at the moment and he’s showing that on the Saturday when he plays.
“I’m really pleased for him that he’s been rewarded for his hard work. He could have easily have gone the other way and just let it by-pass him but he hasn’t. He’s made sure that once he was needed, he was ready.”
Steve Gallen, head of recruitment, said: “Dillon is another one who has come through the academy. He’s very well liked at the club. Steve Avory and his team have done a great job with him as has Andy Marshall recently.
“He’s a good goalkeeper, a good lad, everybody likes him in the dressing room. He’s well liked amongst the fans, staff, players, everybody, so I’m really, really pleased for everybody but in particular Dillon, he deserves this.”
IMAGES BY KEITH GILLARD
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