Mike Phenix ready to step up with AFC Telford
AFC Telford United winger Mike Phenix is taking steps to ensure he's ready for the call when the club step up to the Skrill Conference Premier.
Phenix is out-of-contract in the summer, but has been given "an inkling" he will be offered a new deal to stay in Shropshire for a second season.
Despite ongoing health problems, the 25-year-old netted nine times during the campaign, becoming the Bucks' super-sub with seven from the bench.
He sat out the last three games of the season, as he battles the same stomach problem that sidelined Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.
But Phenix will step up his treatment in the close season and is considering going part-time in his day job, as manager of an alcohol wholesale business.
He said: "I have had a bit of an inkling that I might be offered something, but nothing concrete. From my point of view, I would love to stay at the club.
"I am going to have a month or so of pure rest and try to to get myself right. I start my new medication soon and, hopefully, that will make a difference.
"If I do remain at Telford, I could look into going part-time at work, I would need to devote more time to my football as it's a big step up in standard."
Phenix was sidelined after taking ill again in the aftermath of Telford's 1-0 victory at Colwyn Bay, where he was substituted at half-time looking jaded.
He went into hospital for a transfusion after passing blood and picked a new super-bug called C-Diff, which required him to be quarantined for 10 days.
But the wide man did make it to the New Bucks Head for Saturday's Skrill Conference North title party, where the Bucks beat Gainsborough Trinity 3-0.
He said: "I didn't feel right before the Colwyn Bay game, to be honest, then I went on a run in the first-half and felt my stomach churning, so had to go off.
"I had to spend 10 days in a room on my own and it was so frustrating to happen towards the end of the season, where I wasn't fit enough for the last game.
"I just wanted to be there with the lads, it's something I may never experience again and to go around the pitch with the trophy was a fantastic feeling.
"It's the best day, football wise, I have ever had. The fans were brilliant."
