Micky Gray has had a few different opinions on who should replace David Moyes at Sunderland, but now wants to see Derby’s first team coach given the job.
Sunderland manager David Moyes looks dejected
There have been plenty of names linked to the vacant Sunderland manager’s job following the resignation of David Moyes after relegation from the Premier League.
Yet former Black Cats left-back Micky Gray, who came through the ranks at the club and spent seven years in the first team, has backed one of his former teammates as the ideal candidate.
“I know he’s not had a managerial job, but they’ll [the fans] get behind somebody like Kevin Phillips, because he is a Sunderland legend,” Gray told talkSPORT.
“I know he’s been a coach at a couple of clubs now and he’s not had the opportunity of being a manager yet. But somebody like him.
“I’d love to see Chris Coleman or Ryan Giggs given an opportunity. That’s the route I think we’ve got to go down – young, hungry and fresh managers.”
Derby assistant coach Kevin Phillips
This is not the first time Gray has weighed in on the debate, however, previously naming Giggs as his favourite to get the job and then making Coleman his number one choice.
The 42-year-old also suggested Roy Keane would be a good option to return to the Stadium of Light as boss, with the current Republic of Ireland assistant manager leading them to promotion from the Sky Bet Championship in 2007.
Michael Gray – Sheffield Wednesday substitute
Now Gray, who is a lifelong Sunderland fan, believes that Phillips is the best man for the job. The two played together at the club between 1997 and 2003 and know each other well.
While Gray moved into a role in the media after retirement, Phillips has been earning his coaching credentials at Leicester City and now Derby County, where he is currently part of Gary Rowett’s backroom staff.
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