Sunderland have sacked manager Phil Parkinson and many fans of the North East club have been calling for Kevin Phillips to be brought in as his replacement.

With the Black Cats eighth and on a run of five games without a win, Parkinson was relieved of his duties this afternoon with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking charge for Tuesday's game against Burton Albion.

Beyond that the timeline of the search for a new manager is unclear but it is likely to be linked to the takeover that is expected to be completed soon.

It is understood that Nigel Pearson and Gus Poyet are early candidates to replace Parkinson but it seems that many Sunderland fans are keen for the club to get Phillips back in.

As a player, the striker scored more than 100 goals and made more than 200 appearances for the North East club.

Phillips has gained coaching experience since the end of his playing career and he has shown an interest in the role in the past.

The Sunderland job would be the 47-year-old's first as a manager, so it would be something of a risk for the club and they may look to bring a more seasoned coach alongside him.

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It seems as if it would be a popular appointment, however, as the reaction of many Black Cats fans on Twitter illustrates.

Read their reaction here: