Phillips hails Sunderland director as contract plan revealed
Kevin Phillips has urged Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman to take a pragmatic approach to player contracts this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend claimed the club must learn from the problematic Jack Rodwell situation when handing out new deals.
Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen, Aiden McGeady, Max Power, Charlie Wyke, Lee Burge, Denver Hume and Luke O’Nien are but some of the first-team players with contracts expiring at the end of this season.
As quoted by the Chronicle, Speakman said “players who want to play in the Championship are going to require more money” but insisted it wasn’t an “issue”.
Phillips warned Sunderland not to get their “fingers burnt” by players and agents demands.
“It is great to hear Speakman say that,” he told Football Insider. “It is is encouraging.
“Sunderland need to be careful with handing out new contracts this summer because they have had their fingers burnt before. They have splashed out too much on giving big players big wages.
“The obvious one that springs to mind is Rodwell. It really stung them in the backside so I hope they get the balance right with the next round of contracts.
“Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is only young but I am sure he has people in his ear giving him sound advice. I don’t think they will be held to ransom.
“Yes, you need to pay players well if you want to have the best but I just hope they don’t get it wrong this time.”
In other news, Kevin Phillips claims Sunderland have a ‘very good’ chance of signing a sought-after 21-year-old after what he’s heard.