Crewe have signed Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips on a two-month loan deal, with a view to a permanent move in January. 6-1-10: Crewe Alexandra have finalised the loan extension of Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips until the end of the season. 29-6-10: Goalkeeper Steve Phillips has signed a permanent deal with Crewe that will keep him at the club until 2012. The 32-year-old spent most of last season on loan at Gresty Road from Bristol Rovers and the club have now tied him down on a permanent basis. Phillips, who started his career at Rovers' rivals Bristol City, impressed in his time with Crewe, making the No.1 jersey his own and was happy to join the Railwaymen after being released by Rovers at the end of last season. He will miss the start of the season after undergoing a shoulder operation to rectify an injury which sidelined him for the final three games of last term. Phillips is expected to return in September where he will fight to reclaim the starting spot as the last line of defence.