Phillips thrilled by ‘great news’ he’s heard from Sunderland director
Kevin Phillips is thrilled to hear Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman plans to prevent the club’s best academy players from leaving.
However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend claimed it is integral that the Black Cats find young talented players a route into the first team.
Notes from a meeting quoted by the Sunderland Echo revealed Speakman plans to “create potential assets” by providing “elite opportunity for local players”.
The Wearside club have lost a number of exciting young players over the past few years, with many not playing for the first team before leaving to join higher clubs.
Joe Hugill’s move to Manchester United in July of last year a notable example.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Speakman’s comments, Phillips said: “It’s great news to hear him say that.
“That is what his job is at the end of the day. He has been brought in to help recruit players into the first team but his biggest priority is keeping young talent at the club.
“It is about persuading them to stay and trying to find them a route into the first team.
“That is his job so it is good to hear him address it but I have always said actions speak louder than words. We will wait and see next season.
“Yes, it is an encouraging sign to hear those noises but now we need to actually see it happen.”
In other news, Sunderland plot move to sign 22-year-old with permanent deal on the cards.