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Kevin Phillips backs Martin O'Neill to succeed Steve Bruce at Sunderland
Former Black Cats striker believes the ex-Aston Villa boss possesses the experience required to instill belief back at the Stadium of Light following the 50-year-old's departure
1 Dec 2011 12:06:00
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EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart
Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips believes Martin O'Neill would be “perfect” to replace Steve Bruce as the club's new manager.
Bruce was sacked on Wednesday following a poor start to the season that leaves Sunderland just two points above the relegation zone having picked up only 11 points from 13 Premier League games.
Phillips, who became a hero at Sunderland in his six years at the club, believes former Aston Villa and Celtic manager O'Neill is the man to get the Black Cats back on track.
“Martin O'Neill would be perfect for the club and I would love to see him take the job,” Phillips told Goal.com.
“He's got so much experience and he gets the absolute best out of his players. That's what they need now – some organisation and some belief back.
“He's been out of the game for a while and I hear he's a Sunderland fan so I think it would be a great acquisition.
“Mark Hughes is the other name being strongly linked and I would be happy with him as well. Sunderland have better players than they have shown this season – no way should they be in a relegation battle.”
Bruce was dismissed in the wake of the 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Wigan, which resulted in personal abuse from the Sunderland fans.
Phillips believes Bruce would have turned the situation around had he been given more time, but he was not surprised by the decision made by owner Ellis Short.
“I think he could have sorted it out but I don't think there was a way back once the Sunderland fans turned on him,” Phillips added. “Even looking in from the outside, the atmosphere around the club seemed horrible and you can understand why the board felt it couldn't continue.
“I played for Sunderland for six years and the supporters are so passionate. You can understand why they were upset after the money the club spent in the summer.
“Unfortunately, the performances on the pitch have not been good enough. You can't sack the players so the manager gets the boot.”
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By Greg Stobart
Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips believes Martin O'Neill would be “perfect” to replace Steve Bruce as the club's new manager.
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Bruce was sacked on Wednesday following a poor start to the season that leaves Sunderland just two points above the relegation zone having picked up only 11 points from 13 Premier League games.
Phillips, who became a hero at Sunderland in his six years at the club, believes former Aston Villa and Celtic manager O'Neill is the man to get the Black Cats back on track.
“Martin O'Neill would be perfect for the club and I would love to see him take the job,” Phillips told Goal.com.
“He's got so much experience and he gets the absolute best out of his players. That's what they need now – some organisation and some belief back.
“He's been out of the game for a while and I hear he's a Sunderland fan so I think it would be a great acquisition.
“Mark Hughes is the other name being strongly linked and I would be happy with him as well. Sunderland have better players than they have shown this season – no way should they be in a relegation battle.”
Bruce was dismissed in the wake of the 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Wigan, which resulted in personal abuse from the Sunderland fans.
Phillips believes Bruce would have turned the situation around had he been given more time, but he was not surprised by the decision made by owner Ellis Short.
“I think he could have sorted it out but I don't think there was a way back once the Sunderland fans turned on him,” Phillips added. “Even looking in from the outside, the atmosphere around the club seemed horrible and you can understand why the board felt it couldn't continue.
“I played for Sunderland for six years and the supporters are so passionate. You can understand why they were upset after the money the club spent in the summer.
“Unfortunately, the performances on the pitch have not been good enough. You can't sack the players so the manager gets the boot.”
Follow Greg Stobart on
Visit our Euro 2012 microsite for all you need to know ahead of Friday's draw and beyond - team profiles, stadium guides, even which hotels are best to stay in!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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