By Mark Carruthers
Former Sunderland and England striker Kevin Phillips has been confirmed as new manager of Northern Premier League club South Shields.
The former Black Cats and England striker was confirmed as successor to former Mariners boss Graham Fenton, who parted company with the club on Sunday morning.
Caretaker manager Wess Brown will remain in charge for the Mariners visit to Ashton United as South Shields look to continue their push for promotion into the National League North.
Phillips will then oversee training after meeting his new squad later in the week ahead of next Saturday’s crucial trip to fellow promotion candidates Warrington Town.
In a statement confirming his appointment released on Sunday afternoon, Phillips said: “I’m absolutely delighted to come on board having been given the opportunity to manage South Shields.
“This is my first taste of management so I’m eager to get going and I’m very, very excited.
“I’d like to thank Geoff Thompson for giving me this opportunity. I’m very grateful for it and am looking forward to working with Geoff and everyone connected with the club.
“The club is very ambitious and is an exciting place to be, which is demonstrated by the investment which has been made in the team and the facilities.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of it and hopefully helping the club move forwards.”
Phillips remains a popular figure on Wearside after plundering his way to 130 goals in 235 appearances during a six-year stay at the Stadium of Light.
The new Mariners boss is looking forward to kicking off his managerial career in an area he holds close to his heart.
“I’ve never been shy in saying I’d love a crack at management when the right opportunity arose, and Geoff completely sold this club to me,” explained the former England striker.
“The club is in an area I know very well and have a great affection for, and coupled with that it has great ambition and a vision to grow.
“I’m licking my lips to be part of it.
“I want to win games and be successful, and I hope myself and the players will enjoy the ride together.
“It’s about winning football matches and trying to find a style that is exciting to watch, on the front foot and giving players the freedom to go and play.
“There’s a lot of hard work in front of us but it’s important to have an enjoyable environment in place so that the players come into work, enjoy what they do and get the most out of themselves.”
Club chairman Geoff Thompson said: “We are incredibly excited about the prospect of Kevin joining us and leading our first-team.
“His pedigree, background and experience in the game are substantial and I’m sure he’s going to make a massive impact on the club.
“I’m sure everyone connected to the club will join me in welcoming Kevin with open arms, and I very much look forward to working with him over the coming years.”
