Exclusive: Kevin Phillips makes a Sunderland promotion prediction and reveals his honest view on Phil Parkinson

The Black Cats are winless in their last four League One outings and have slipped out the play-off places as a result, but Phillips believes that Phil Parkinson’s knowledge of League One will continue to serve Sunderland well in the final few weeks of the campaign.

Indeed the former striker – who himself was keen on the job after Jack Ross’ dismissal – believes that Parkinson has engineered a number of positive changes at the Stadium of Light, even if recent results haven’t aided the club’s promotion push.

“It’s been an incredible turnaround from Phil’s point of view,” said Phillips, speaking exclusively to the Echo.

“When he first came in it was difficult, and whoever came in at that time it would have been difficult to come in and pick the reins up with the pressure and the expectation.

“Phil’s experience had paid off and he was patient, and now the club are bearing the fruits of his experience of managing in this league.”

Sunderland embarked on a stunning run of form in the early weeks of 2020, which saw them climb the third tier table and thrust themselves back into contention for the top two.

And while recent results mean that automatic promotion is unlikely this term, Phillips is refusing to rule-out the possibility of a return to the Championship – and believes another unbeaten run is just around the corner.

“I fully expect them to go on another unbeaten run,” he admitted.

“If it’s automatic promotion, who knows, but at least they’ll get the play-offs.

“It’ll be an exciting end to the season.”

The club legend was speaking as he was inducted into Sunderland’s hall of fame, and admitted he was ‘honoured’ to be joining some illustrious names in the club’s history.

Phillips added: “As you know, I’ve got a great affiliation with the football club and achieved many things here.

“This is an award that I’m delighted to receive and I’m honoured to be inducted.”