Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips is keen to forge strong links with his former club as he embarks on his managerial career with South Shields.
The former Black Cats striker became a cult figure at the Stadium of Light as he plundered his way to 130 goals in 235 games during a six-year stay on Wearside.
After spending time with the likes of Southampton, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, Phillips moved into coaching during spells with Leicester City, Derby County and Stoke City.
His first move into management has come in the rather unexpected surroundings of the Northern Premier League as he looks to help the Mariners continue their progression towards a targeted place in the Football League.
Discussions between key figures at South Shields and Sunderland are planned for the near future as the two clubs look to enhance their relationship over the coming weeks and months.
Phillips believes that any link between his former and current employers can only help him settle into his new role at the 1st Cloud Arena.
He told Chronicle Live: “I think that’s what it is at all levels really and to try and lean on each other for experience.
“But I think moving forward the link is definitely if Sunderland sign a player and they think he has to go out on loan, can we look at that, facilitate that.
“I’m not too full up on it yet but I believe there are some chats going on at the beginning of next month, which I’ll sit in on.
“I know Kristian Speakman well, I worked with him at Birmingham so there are conversations going on.
“It can only benefit the club, of course.
“At some point maybe we can go along and use their facilities at some point and be plusses from it.
“It would be great to have that link with such a great football club.”
Phillips revealed he has received a number of calls and messages from people around the football world.
One of the first came from Sunderland manager Lee Johnson, who finds his side in a similar position to Phillips at South Shields.
Both sides are sat in third place in their respective leagues and are expected to challenge for a much-needed promotion after spending a longer-than-expected stay in their current division.
Phillips is looking forward to working with the Black Cats boss and admitted there is pressure on both men to succeed.
“I’ve been to watch them six or seven times - it’s typical Sunderland, up and down,” he said.
“They are heading in the right direction, they are sitting third in the league, a bit like us.
“There’s pressure on, Lee knows that, there's less pressure on myself, but we are both sitting in the same place in the league.
“There’s still half a season to go but there’s pressure on both people and it’s exciting pressure for me.
“Not one I’ll hopefully lose any more sleep over.
“We just had a general chat in terms of the link and he wished me good luck, he said it would be tough, but you’ve got to be prepared for the ups and the downs, which I am.
“We are looking forward to working closely together, not so much for the rest of this season, but more towards the end of the season and pre-season, talking about players.”
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Phillips is also looking to “pick the brains” of former Sunderland team-mate Julio Arca.
The Argentinean midfielder was a popular figure during his time at the Stadium of Light and became just as revered when he brought down the curtain on his career with South Shields.
Such was his popularity with the Mariners, Arca has a bar named after him at the 1st Cloud Arena.
Phillips joked that he is yet to receive such a plaudit during his long career - but is relishing the prospect of connecting with Arca once again.
“I’ve not got a bar named after me anywhere,” laughed the Black Cats legend.
“I’ve got Julio’s number, I’d be daft not to speak to him.
“I didn’t realise he played for Middlesbrough for seven years, I only thought he was there for a couple of years.
“He had six at Sunderland, so he’s a North East legend and, of course, a South Shields legend lifting the Vase.
“Why would I not tap into his experience at some point.
“Hopefully he will come over, I believe he was here a few weeks ago, but if he comes over again I’d love to get him into the training ground to talk to the lads.
“I think it would be a massive buzz for them, but I’ll certainly be giving him a call.
“It’s on my to-do list for next week, pick his brains because he knows most of these players and he’s a good lad as well.”
