|
Both players have played key roles in this season's campaign and established themselves in Millwall's first team after a string of setbacks.
Alan Dunne in particular has been a revelation on the right midfield after Wise and assistant decided to move him from right back. Dunne, who made just nine appearances during the 2003-04 season, has hit the net three times since his move into the middle of the park, including an exquisite chip against Nottingham Forest.
"The move into midfield has made the difference for me," explained Dunne. "My game seems more suited to attacking than defending.
"My pace has also increased in the last year or so. I was always quick at school but getting that extra bit of speed from working on it has helped my game. And my self-belief has increased. "
Playing a lot more and now being offered a new deal is a big boost to your confidence and it is good to have my future sorted out. "I had feared I would get another injury just when things were going so well but it has not happened - so far."
Mark Phillips, meanwhile, is hoping to build on his current run in the first team having missed much of the previous two season through injury. The youngster, who turned 23 last weekend, has been a regular in the first team since last October and has played a key role in defence, a role which has been recognised by manager Dennis Wise.
"The club has an option of a second year on the deal it has with Mark Phillips, which it will be taking up;" said Wise in the South London Press. "And we have offered Alan Dunne a new contract. They have both done very well. They have improved so much this season and are now part of the first-team squad.
"They have been a very important part of what we have done this season and deserve new contracts on the basis of their performances."