Kevin Phillips: Hartlepool United appoint ex-England and Sunderland striker as head coach

Former England and Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips — Kevin Phillips will be taking his second job in management after three previous coaching roles

National League side Hartlepool United have appointed former England striker Kevin Phillips as their new head coach.

The Sunderland legend, 50, takes over after the sacking of previous boss John Askey on 30 December.

Phillips was most recently in charge at South Shields, leading them to promotion to the sixth-tier National League North last season.

"I can't thank the chairman enough for the opportunity to take charge of this fantastic club," Phillips said.

"I'm familiar with the North East having played and managed up here, so I know the area and the passion of the people from up here.

"I'm excited about the challenge and can't wait to get stuck in. We know what we need to do to get up that league table, we need results, and I want to provide some fresh ideas for us to achieve that."

Hartlepool, who were relegated from League Two last May, were 16th in the National League before Saturday's fixture at Ebbsfleet, four points above the relegation zone and 10 adrift of the play-off positions.

Phillips will formally take charge following Tuesday's league fixture against Kidderminster.

He will have two full-time assistants for his second managerial job, in the experienced former Middlesbrough and Charlton boss Lennie Lawrence and Antony Sweeney.

'Incredible pedigree'

Phillips had nine clubs during his 20-year playing career, including Watford, Sunderland, Southampton, West Brom, Aston Villa and Birmingham.

He scored a total of 287 goals, won eight caps for England and became the only English player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award in 2000.

Since retiring in 2014, he has held coaching roles with Leicester, Derby and Stoke before his 15-month stint at South Shields.

Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh said he was "delighted" to have secured Phillips' services.

"Kevin comes with an incredible pedigree having played at the highest level of the game, but also having transitioned into coaching and managerial roles with great success," he said.

"His drive to be successful and hands-on approach was evident in the process. Additionally, the combination and balance of skillsets between Kevin, Tony and Lennie was a key factor in the decision, with a focus to immediately impact a crucial block of games over the coming weeks and then push on to the end of the season.

"It has taken longer than I'd have hoped, largely due to the uncertainty that currently surrounds the club, but I am very pleased to have finally secured Kevin with his credentials."