Phillips keen to return to Sunderland as manager

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has said he would love to return to the Stadium of Light as manager one day.

Phillips, who is currently coaching at Derby, is the club’s highest post-war goal scorer is one of the early names in the frame to replace David Moyes who left the club this week.

Phillips formed a formidable strike force with Niall Quinn in the late 1990s under Peter Reid when the Black Cats won promotion and then secured successive seventh.

“I would love to come back to Sunderland as manager one day,” said Phillips.

Picture: Getty

“I think everyone knows that Sunderland is a club close to my heart, and I loved my six years up there.

“But the timing would have to be right. I’ve been coaching at Leicester City and Derby since I stopped playing, and there has been a lot to learn.

“It would be a big challenge to take on.”

Phillips’ lack of managerial experience could count against him when the club decided who to appoint as Moyes’ replacement.

Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League after a disastrous campaign and will look to make the right appointment in order to try and bounce back at the first attempt.