Phillips tells Sunderland to ‘tear it up’ after Louis-Dreyfus reveal
Kevin Phillips has backed Sunderland to make sweeping changes to the make-up of their playing squad next season.
The Stadium of Light legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, is adamant that the club need to change policy after three unsuccessful seasons spent in League One.
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus told talkSPORT last week that he was looking to “invest in more long-term outlets”.
Phillips wants to see the Black Cats hand more opportunities to their emerging stars.
“I think that’s the next step,” he told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs. “They’ve tried the route of getting experienced players in and keeping hold of experienced players like Grant Leadbitter and Aiden McGeady, and it hasn’t worked.
“Why not tear it up and give the youth a try? They’ve got nothing to lose.
“Of course they want to bounce back but this guy has made it clear that he is in it for the long run. If that means another season in League One but that they’re giving these young players a chance to gain experience for the season after, then that may be the way they have to go.
“I would certainly be giving the young players an opportunity next year. For me, as a supporter who likes the club, I’d love to see them given an opportunity, and to hear the owner say that it is encouraging.”
Sunderland finished fourth in League One last season, earning a place in the play-offs, but they came unstuck against Lincoln City who beat them 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-final.
The Wearside club, managed by Lee Johnson, are now gearing up for their fourth successive season in the English third-tier.
In other news, Phillips is ‘Surprised’ that Sunderland have opted to let these two stars leave the club.