Ex-striker Kevin Phillips has sharply criticized Sunderland’s current ‘model.’
Phillips, now 50, is currently unemployed after being dismissed as Hartlepool United manager in April.
His former club Sunderland is also without a manager, approaching three months since sacking Michael Beale after only 12 games. Despite ongoing speculation, there is no clear front-runner for the position, with Alan Nixon suggesting multiple candidates are still in consideration.
The managerial vacancy is not the only concern. The club’s ‘model’ under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, which heavily focuses on youth recruitment, is also under scrutiny. While this approach has unearthed talents like Jack Clarke, it has also presented challenges in the Championship.
Sunderland finished 16th in the 2023/24 Championship season, just six points above the relegation zone, with only five wins in 2024. Kevin Phillips has voiced his criticism of the club’s model.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Phillips expressed his frustration: “From the outside looking in, I’m as frustrated as any Sunderland fan… especially after this season, they finished very disappointing. Where they go from now, what they do, who they appoint over the summer, it’s so critical and crucial that they get the right appointment.
“With the model they’ve got in place at the moment, do I agree with it? Probably not… That league is very difficult. If you’re not prepared to bring in experienced players within that squad, especially in the Championship, it can become very, very difficult.”
Phillips’ comments echo sentiments from former managers Michael Beale and Mike Dodds, who also noted the lack of experience in Sunderland’s squad. This issue has been a topic of debate among fans on social media. The club needs to address this imbalance to avoid another disappointing season.
The potential departures of players like Bradley Dack and Corry Evans, although not majorly affecting quality, could further youthify the team. For Sunderland to compete effectively in the Championship, they need a mix of young talents and experienced, Championship-proven players. Ignoring this could be as detrimental as hiring the wrong manager.