Kevin Phillips wants to replace Jack Ross at League One giants Sunderland but Phil Parkinson appears to be the front-runner right now.
Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has admitted that he has ‘reached out’ to the Black Cats about becoming their new manager while telling talkSPORT (15 October, 10am) that he expects an announcement to be made later on Tuesday.
It is a week since Jack Ross was sacked with Sunderland sixth in the League One table, eight points adrift of leaders Ipswich Town after a disastrous 2-0 defeat to Lincoln City before the international break.
And with the Wearsiders facing a crunch clash with promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, time is running out for owner Stewart Donald to choose a manager capable of dragging the fallen giants back up the divisions.
It would be a surprise if former striker Phillips was handed the job given that Donald is reported to want a coach with a proven track record in the third tier. The former England international has never worked as a manager in his own right, taking his spells at Leicester and Derby as an assistant coach.
Though Phillips has confirmed that he would still jump at the chance to return to the club where he won the European Golden Shoe in 2000.
“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,” the 46-year-old said. “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.”
TalkSPORT host Jim White believes Phil Parkinson is likely to be confirmed as Sunderland’s new manager sooner rather than later with the Daily Star claiming that the 51-year-old, who previously led Colchester and Bolton to the Championship, had impressed the Black Cats board during an interview on Friday.
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