Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips wants to take over as new boss after Jack Ross sacking
SUNDERLAND legend Kevin Phillips wants to return to the club as manager.
Phillips, who scored 130 goals in six years on Wearside, is keen to succeed Jack Ross in charge at the Stadium of Light.
The former England striker is understood to have told friends he would love the opportunity to manage the club where is adored by supporters.
The Black Cats are on the hunt for a new manager after axing Ross yesterday because they feared their promotion chances were being damaged.
Now chairman Stewart Donald faces having to bring someone in quickly to get working with a squad which is still only sixth in League One.
Phillips, 46, is currently out of the game having worked as a coach alongside Gary Rowett while he was in charge of Derby and Stoke.
The former forward is looking for a way back into the game in a top job, and Sunderland is a position he would be keen to take up.
His former Sunderland team-mate Michael Gray tweeted: “Only one man for the job. Time to step up.”
Sunderland are also considering giving sacked Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel an immediate return to management.
The German was sacked by Barnsley yesterday just months after leading the club to promotion to the Championship.
And Donald admitted Stendel is someone he would consider for the role, given his experience in securing a top two finish in League One last season with the Tykes.
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Donald said last night: “I’m sure he’ll be somebody that we’ll potentially look at. We’ve got to find our new man and got to get it right.
“I’m looking for a manager that is going to get us promoted. The remit is obvious.”
Sources claim Ross’ sacking was to divert attention away from Donald’s botched sale of the club to American firm MSD Partners.