Sunderland have progressed significantly since directors David Jones and Tom Sloanes joined the club in December but Kevin Phillips has suggested that they must be careful in planning for the future.
While Jones has been given the responsibility by Stewart Donald to influence the footballing side of things, it is perhaps just coincidence that Sunderland have lost just once since his arrival at the club. The Sky presenter has recently spoken (per the Sunderland Echo) of his vision of how to improve the club’s standing, with a focus on recruitment and expanding the scouting network that Tony Coton currently leads.
He also praised the work of Phil Parkinson while emphasising the potential of Sunderland, and he believes he can help the club realise that.
That is what Phillips has taken issue with, as Sunderland have previously failed when after investing significantly in the squad, such as under Paolo Di Canio, and the former striker instead believes the Black Cats should take things one step at a time.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said:
“I had a chat with him last week and obviously he is delighted to be involved with the football club and he will have his own ideas on how to move the club forward but I think Sunderland have to be very careful.
“We have seen them get carried away with things off the pitch before because ultimately you have to get it right on the pitch first and let things like that follow.
“It is great that they have the ambition to do it but first and foremost get out of that league.”
While Phillips is right to be level-headed in his analysis of the north-east outfit, he should be encouraging of the work that is being conducted currently, as fans have lacked a reason to be excited for several years now. Furthermore, Jones has a proven track record as his three-year involvement with Oxford encompassed their promotion to League One and, as a Sunderland supporter, he will have the club’s best interests at heart.
Should the Black Cats get promoted this season, it will be interesting to see how Jones’ vision for a “modern recruitment system” takes shape, but with the academy at a Category One level, it is possible the north-east outfit will look to attract some of the best youngsters around and build them into first-team players.
Under Donald, recruitment has primarily been geared towards loan players and free agents, for which the owner has sometimes come under scrutiny, and therefore more ambition being shown will surely be a good thing for supporters and the club.
What is your view on Jones’ comments, Sunderland fans? Are you pleased to see a plan in place or do you hold similar concerns to Phillips? Tell us what you think in the comments below…
