Kevin Ball: Phillips ‘gutted’ by Sunderland announcement as exit details emerge
Kevin Phillips is gutted to hear Kevin Ball has left Sunderland.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the 2000 European Golden Shoe winner heaped praise on the 57-year-old for his “amazing” service to the club.
In a statement (17 February), Sunderland announced Kevin Ball had left his ambassadorial role on Wearside.
According to the Chronicle‘s James Hunter (18 February), the Englishman has been “quietly sidelined” since being furloughed in 2020.
Ball is said to have been offered an alternative role by the club but it did not appeal to him.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on Ball’s departure, Phillips said: “It’s a real shame.
“I’m disappointed to be honest with you. I’ve got mixed emotions really.
“Kev is a part of Sunderland. In my opinion, people like Kev should be kept at the club in some capacity.
“I am gutted. I don’t know whether it was a mutual agreement. Kev is Sunderland through and through.
“He has been an amazing ambassador for that football club as a player and a role model. He is a born winner. They could do with a few Kevin Balls on the pitch at the moment, that is for sure.
“It is a shame to hear that he has left. I wish him all the best for the future and I am sure I will bump into him soon.”
Speaking on Ball’s departure, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: “Kevin is a Sunderland AFC legend in the truest sense of the word and he will always be welcome at the Stadium of Light.
“As a player, coach and ambassador, he has embodied the spirit of Sunderland and set an example to all of those around him, including players and staff.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Madrox have ‘eyes and ears’ on Sunderland board as ‘dramatic’ news explained.