SUNDERLAND legend Kevin Phillips has revealed his desire to return as manager after warning the Wearsiders are in danger of trying to pull-off one great escape too many. he 41-year-old received his customary rapturous welcome from home fans on his latest visit to the Stadium of Light, as the Leicester first team coach saw the Foxes seal their own amazing Houdini act with Saturday’s 0-0 draw. Phillips scored 130 goals in 235 appearances during a celebrated six year-year stay in the North-East to help secure back-to-back seventh-place finishes for Peter Reid’s side. After similarly prolific spells at Watford, Southampton, Aston Villa, West Brom, Blackpool and Crystal Palace, the former non-League striker is proving equally adept off the field as part of Nigel Pearson’s coaching team at the King Power Stadium. He admits he is still learning his trade only 12 months on from hanging up his boots, but conceded the lure of a return to the club with which he will always be synonymous would be hard to resist. please log in to view this image Phillips said: “At some point in my career I’d love to come back here and manage. At the moment it’s a learning curve for me at Leicester and it’s been a massive eye-opener this season. “But if that (managing Sunderland) was put upon me then I’d have no problem doing it because we all know the club has got huge potential. “For Sunderland to be a success they need to put someone in place for four or five years and then stick with them. That’s what happened with our team and Peter Reid. That’s the way forward. “I certainly wouldn’t go chasing a manager’s job at present. It’s something I’d consider if I was offered it but I’m still doing my badges, still learning the role. It’s something I’m going to really sink my teeth into in the next few years.” please log in to view this image GETTY Kevin Phillips is loved at Sunderland Current manager Dick Advocaat is on the verge of leading Sunderland to safety after another turbulent season on Wearside. They need a point from their last two games to guarantee a ninth straight season of top flight football, with 67-year-old Advocaat set to remain in charge beyond the summer if the Dutchman proves successful in his nine-game rescue mission. Phillips added: “They can’t keep repeating these narrow escapes. First and foremost, they need to sort out the managerial situation. “This summer is a big one for them. They need to get their recruitment right and then look to push on. They’ve shown they’ve got good players, but they need some consistency and that starts from the manager down.”
Been trying hard to think of a club legend from anywhere who has gone on to be really successful as a manger/coach at same club in the modern era, really struggling tbh, Glenn hoddle? Rob de matteo had success but chelski soon got shot of him. Would wish SPK every success if he did, place would at a minimum be initially buzzing but odds are against it
As yet he is an unknown quantity with a season's coaching behind him but Leics have played good football all this season but defended badly until they got Huth on loan. If their attacking qualities are anything to go by then SKP ain't done a bad job. Recruiting players must be our priority and DA maybe the best to achieve that, but staying in touch with SKP about later would be no bad move.
I would push the boat out for DA at the moment. He is a well know and respected figure in Europe, he will attract players we wouldn't normally get a sniff at. A one year rolling contract with get-out clauses just might turn his (and his wifes) head
Would love to see the guy back managing us, once he's proved himself as a successful manager. There's no place for sentiment here.
But it's about Kev joining us in the future, no who we're hiring now. Just thought it was a nice article about a legend who still loves us. Nobody in their right mind would want Philips to manage us now. I'd welcome him to the coaching staff.
If he shows he's got the ability we'd all be delighted. Massive IF, but he's a determined lad, who knows. I personally always get the impression he's a bit reserved to be a top gaffer, but then Monk is doing great things at Swansea. We shall see down the line.
