JAMES Phillips has made a rapid return to football with AFC Stoneham.

The former Romsey Town manager and Team Solent coach was eager to get straight back into the game after parting company with Totton & Eling.

That alerted Stoneham chairman Mark Stupple who invited Phillips to join The Purples in a coaching/assistant manager’s role, working alongside team boss Tim Cole.

Stoneham are preparing for their third season of Sydenhams One football and Phillips arrives at an opportune time.

Stupple explained: “Carl Whittingham, our excellent coach for the last three seasons, has taken a rest from football to focus on fatherhood.

“Tim has been left to prepare pre-season, supported by Charles Chiguvare. However, this still left a gap for someone to replace Carl and James fits the role superbly.

“I have known of James for a while and have only heard good, positive comments.

“Personally I feel his strengths lie mainly in coaching at this stage of his career, although the management experience gained at both Romsey and Totton & Eling can only be a big bonus.

“I have no doubt James can learn from Tim’s experience in management and we are delighted to have him on board.”

Phillips, 25, said: “I am really looking forward to working alongside Tim and pushing the team and whole club forward.

“Having met with both Mark and Tim, I feel very confident that the club can match my ambitions and that we can have an exciting future together."