Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips make it clear why he wants to leave…..

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips ‘delighted’ to be given Hartlepool challenge

The former Black Cats striker has taken charge of National League club Hartlepool United

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Kevin Phillips

Kevin Phillips (Image: 2023 Richard Sellers)

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips is ready to embrace the challenge lying ahead of him after accepting an offer to take charge at National League club Hartlepool United.

The former Black Cats striker enjoyed a successful maiden venture into management after guiding South Shields to the Northern Premier League title before bringing an end to his 18-month reign at the end of last season.

Phillips had been linked with several vacancies in the aftermath of his departure from the 1st Cloud Arena after being named as a candidate to take over at Solihull Moors, Walsall and Burton Albion.

However, following the departure of John Askey, Phillips was named as one of the frontrunners to succeed the former Pools manager and a deal was concluded in time for the former Aston Villa and Birmingham City start to watch his new side claim a 1-0 win at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

Midfielder Anthony Mancini grabbed the only goal of the game with the hour-mark approaching to ensure Pools moved seven points clear of the drop zone and with his appointment confirmed, Phillips has now set his sights on improving his new side’s league position in the coming weeks.

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He said: “I’m delighted to join Hartlepool United and I can’t thank the Chairman enough for the opportunity to take charge of this fantastic club.

“I’m familiar with the North East having played and managed up here, so I know the area and the passion of the people from up here.

“I’m excited about the challenge and can’t wait to get stuck in. We know what we need to do to get up that league table, we need results, and I want to provide some fresh ideas for us to achieve that.

“The fans will be massive to us and I can’t wait to meet them at the Suit Direct Stadium.”

The appointment also brings an end to Lennie Lawrence’s three-week stint as Pools manager and chairman Raj Singh has admitted the search for Askey’s successor had taken long than expected.

He said: “An extensive process has been conducted to profile and assess multiple candidates. It has taken longer than I’d have hoped largely due to the uncertainty that currently surrounds the Club, but I am very pleased to have finally secured Ke

vin with his credentials.”