SAFC Legends – Kevin Phillips
Kevin Phillips started his professional career at Watford, signing for the Hornet’s when he was 21 after impressing at non-league side Baldock Town.
After scoring 24 goals in 59 games during his time with Watford with spells in both the First Division and the Second division, he signed for the Black Cats for just £250,000.
Branded ‘Super Kev’ by the Sunderland faithful, Kevin Phillips spent 6 years on Wearside scoring 113 goals in 208 games.
Phillips enjoyed his best season in the 1999-2000 season after being promoted from the first division.
During that season he scored 30 league goals and became the first ever English player to win the European Golden Boot.
In his time with Sunderland in the Premier League, he formed one of the Premier League’s most feared partnerships with fellow SAFC legend, Niall Quinn.
Forming a big man, small man striking partnership, during the 1999/2000 season they were feared by most defenses in the league as they enjoyed their best ever Premier League finish. Just missing out on European football in 7th place.
He remains the only English player to do so.
Now that his playing career has finished, earlier this year he moved back up to the North-East to pursue his first managerial role with South Sheilds F.C.
He had impressed so far, with a 56.1% win rate and they currently sit in 7th in the Northern Premier League division.
Phillips has expressed his desire to manage the Black Cats in the future, as the club stays within his heart.
