Roy Keane: Phillips issues ‘big’ Sunderland verdict after ITV reveal
Kevin Phillips has tipped Roy Keane to bring the “feel-good factor” back to Sunderland if appointed their new manager.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend said the 50-year-old’s experience and availability as a free agent make him a strong candidate for the job.
The Black Cats are on the search for a new manager after sacking Lee Johnson following the 6-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
Football Insider revealed (3 February) that Keane and Grant McCann are the leading contenders for the vacancy.
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News (6 February), Keane refused to comment when quizzed about his interest in the role during ITV’s coverage of Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Cardiff City.
Phillips, who was recently appointed manager of South Shields, claimed the job would be “a big eye-opener” for Keane.
“I’m not surprised that he’s been interviewed,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“You only have to look at what he did at the club before. He is also a free agent so no compensation would have to be paid.
“I’m a little bit surprised that the club are looking at someone who hasn’t been a manager in a long, long time though. A lot has changed over the past 10 years.
“You deal with the players in a different way. I imagine it would be a big eye opener for Roy. The way the players act, train and conduct themselves is different.
“His experience speaks for itself though. He could go in there and give every a lift. He’ll bring that feel-good factor with him. I’m sure there’d be a bounce.”
In other news, Danny Mills has issued an ‘incredible’ Roy Keane verdict after Sunderland source update.