Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has revealed that he held talks with the club over becoming the new manager and has suggested that an appointment could be made today.
Phillips made 239 appearances for the Black Cats as a player, scoring 134 goals and helping them return to the Premier League in the 1998/99 season.
The 46-year-old has limited coaching experience, with assistant jobs at Leicester City, Derby County and Stoke City his only previous coaching roles.
Nonetheless, it was reported by Chronicle Live the striker was interested in stepping into the vacant manager position at Sunderland after Jack Ross was sacked last week.
Speaking on talkSPORT (quotes via Chronicle Live), Phillips has now revealed that he has had talks with the club about taking over and that a decision could be made today.
He explained: “We reached out and made contact. Over the last two seasons when the job has come up I’ve never really put myself out there. But I thought it was the right time to put myself in.
“We had a good chat. From what I hear they could announce someone today. They want someone in charge quickly. They’ve got a big game on Saturday.
“I’d love to have a crack at it.”
There are a number of different coaches that have been linked with the job, including former Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel, Nigel Pearson, Coventry manager Mark Robins, and Phil Parkinson.
Sunderland face second-place Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on Saturday, in what looks set to be a tough game.
The Verdict
Phillips always seemed like he would be a heart over head hire by the North East side, considering his lack of managerial experience.
With the season already underway, you feel they’d be better set going for a safer pair of hands and it doesn’t appear they’re short on options at this point.
Firing Ross at the start of the international break seemed a smart move because it gave them time to make the decision but that time is quickly running out, so it certainly makes sense that they would want to wrap things up quickly.
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