Next Sunderland manager: Club legend backs ex-Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson and he'd be keen to join him

Sunderland are searching for a new manager after Parkinson was sacked following the 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town last week, with some interviews having taken place this week.

Danny Cowley is a contender, while Paul Cook, Pearson and Daniel Stendel – as revealed by the Echo – are also in the running.

Sunderland are looking to appoint a head coach, as revealed by the Echo, rather than a manager, as part of a restructure.

Cowley has openly confirmed he wants the job, while Cook has also been speaking positively about Sunderland this week. Stendel is keen on getting back into football after spells with Barnsley and Hearts. Sol Campbell has also spoken to the club this week about the vacancy.

As it stands first team coach Andrew Taylor, who has been taking training at the Academy of Light this week, will lead the side against Wigan Athletic on Saturday at the Stadium of Light.

Club legend Phillips has revealed he thinks Pearson would be keen to land the job with the former striker keen to join his coaching staff, the pair have long been linked with a move to Sunderland whenever the manager job comes up.

“I said last time that I was dead keen on linking up with Nigel, if that was to be the case,” said Phillips.

“I cannot speak for him but I think he would be interested in the Sunderland job. It is a huge job. He did a wonderful job with Leicester when they were in the lower leagues.

“He has a history of doing it at Hull as well. He has more experience than all of the other candidates put together.

“Naturally, I think he would be a fantastic appointment. He is a no-nonsense manager. He would go in and iron out any problems in the dressing room and he can deal with the board.

“It would just come down to whether the owners want that kind of manager at the football club. I would love to see him there,” Phillips told Football Insider.

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