‘We’ll add to Wear woes’

KEVIN PHILLIPS returns to the club he loves tonight desperate to add to Sunderland’s recent misery.

Now in an assistant coach role at Derby, Phillips, below, was known for his ability to find the net and especially in his time in Wearside where he scored 134 goals between 1997 and 2003.

But despite his affinity for Sunderland, the 44-year-old is out to add to their problems.

Relegation from the Premier League, a failed takeover, the comparatively late appointment of Simon Grayson and then a spectacular foul-mouthed outburst by Darron Gibson on film last weekend have left the men from the North East beleaguered.

“I would say it was not just a bad last six months but probably three or four years,” said Phillips.

“They just avoided relegation a number of times and if you keep coming through by the skin of your teeth at some point it will bite on the backside and it did last season.

“They have had all the off-field problems – is the club going to be sold or isn’t it – they left it late to appoint a manager and have not got a lot of time to work these players in pre-season.”

On the Gibson tirade he added: “A lot of the players who were there are not bothered according to comments by a certain player.

“There are still issues to be dealt with but from our point of view we can’t worry about that. We will just have to try to add to their problems.”

Phillips hopes his new side can capitalise on the Black Cats’ low morale. “If we can start the game well and take an early lead we can have a good night,” he said.

Phillips has other priorities now, especially attempting to help Chris Martin, Dave Nugent and Matej Vydra repeat his own heroics in front of goal in a bid to finally help Derby to the top after several years of trying.

“Consistency is key and we need to find someone who will get you 25 goals,” said Phillips.

“We’re in a healthy position and ready to go. said History and stats tell you that most successful teams generally stick with the same 14, 15 players throughout the season.

“That’s what we need to try and do. It’s hugely special going back to Sunderland. I might get welcomed back for 10 minutes on Friday and then it’s down to business.”