Phillips shares ‘massive’ verdict after what he’s seen at Sunderland
Kevin Phillips has claimed the feel-good factor is back at Sunderland after he attended Saturday’s 3-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the 2000 European Golden Shoe winner said he left the Stadium of Light with a “massive” sense of optimism after the win.
A brace from Ross Stewart either side of a wonderful strike from Elliot Embleton helped the Black Cats climb to the top of League One prior to the international break.
Lee Johnson’s new-look Sunderland side have won four of their five league games as well as both of their EFL Cup ties.
Phillips was particularly impressed by Dan Neil and the defence.
“Let me tell you, it was massive [the difference in feeling from previous seasons],” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“I was in the Fans Museum before the game and there was a real sense of optimism.
“Everyone’s excited that at last the club is giving young players an opportunity. It has been staring everyone in the face over the last couple of seasons. The experienced players haven’t done it.
“I was really excited to watch the game on Saturday and I was not disappointed. Once the game settled down Sunderland looked by far the better team. I was very impressed with them, I have to say.
“The lad [Callum] Doyle from City looked very assured and comfortable next to Tom Flanagan. [Dennis] Cirkin and [Carl] Winchester looked great either side of them as well. Dan Neil is a really exciting player.
“I was sat in the box with some other supporters and you could feel the buzz around the ground. We all know there is a long way to go though.”
In other news, Hackett demands FA action as ‘clear punch’ on O’Nien missed in Sunderland clash.