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Sources: Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips in advanced talks with Walsall
Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips is in advanced talks to become the new manager of League Two Walsall, sources have told Football Insider.
The 49-year-old stepped down as South Shields boss last week after clinching their promotion to the National League North.
Phillips is now close to landing his first managerial post in the Football League.
Talks with Walsall are progressing well and a full agreement is near.
Phillips started his post-playing career with spells as first-team coach at Leicester, Derby and Stoke.
He took his first managerial post at South Shields in January 2022, but couldn’t get them promoted in his first season – losing in the play-off semi-finals.
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The ex-striker secured promotion at the second time of asking, however, securing the Northern Premier League Premier Division title with two games to spare.
Phillips has subsequently been replaced in the post by former Sunderland teammate Julio Arca.
Throughout his playing career, Phillips notched 282 club goals and eight England caps – and won the European Golden Boot in 2000.
Walsall sit 17th in League Two and have secured their place in the fourth tier for another season.
The Saddlers sacked manager Michael Flynn last month (19 April) after winning just one of their last 20 league games.
They had been knocking on the door of the playoffs in January but have since slipped down the table.
The Midlands club face their last game of the 2022-23 campaign against Doncaster next week (8 May).
In other news, Celtic and Sunderland race to sign Championship star.