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Like picking your favourite child - Two legends in the frame for Sunderland job; vote for your choice

Stefan Schwarz and Kevin Phillips have emerged as two front-runners for the vacant manager post at Sunderland. Phillips is currently at odds of 8/1 to be installed and Schwarz is not far behind on 10/1. We can't pick our favoured choice - so we're asking you to do it for us.

Niall Quinn

Sunderland legends Kevin Phillips and Stefan Schwarz are now both said to be interested in the vacant manager's job as speculation mounts over who the Black Cats will approach to replace David Moyes.

Sunderland v Everton - Premier League
The Sunderland hot seat
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Both men are highly thought of on Wearside having played for Sunderland during the finest period at the club most supporters of the current generation can recall. But with each bringing a wealth of plus-points to stake a claim for the Stadium of Light hot seat, who would be the ultimate choice?

Admittedly, choosing one would be like having to pick your favourite child or being forced to select your 'best' nana. As Sunderland supporters - who would we prefer to take the job? Have a browse through each man's credentials and vote below.

Schwarz played over 60 times for Sunderland during a four-year spell and was part of the Peter Reid teams that finished seventh in the Premier League in successive seasons.

A classy player with a devilish pedigree brought to the Stadium of Light from Benfica, Arsenal, Fiorentina and Valencia, the Swedish international often tops polls as Sunderland's 'best' midfielder of the last 25 years.

Stefan Schwarz

Schwarz has always spoken warmly of his time on Wearside and has a connection with the Sunderland fan base not afforded many who have been here in recent times.

The Swede, now 48-years-old, told Roker Report earlier in the year that he would love to return to the Stadium of Light:

I want to come back and work Sunderland one day. The door is open to come back to Sunderland. I have my pro license now, I'm still very involved with football. I have been with the Swedish Under 21s and also at Helsigborgs alongside Age Hareide who used to be at Manchester City.

So yeah, like I say the door is open and I'm very much involved in football So I'd love to come back.

Reports in the north east press this morning have noted Schwarz reiterating that desire. And the man himself has been a guest of the club at recent home games fueling speculation the former Swedish international is plotting a return to the club in some guise.

As for Kevin Phillips, his Sunderland story needs little retelling. Better than a goal-a-game in his 200-plus appearances, the striker won the European Golden Shoe in season 1999-2000 and set various club records for his ability to find the net. The Black Cats' record post-war goalscorer, the man who is now 43 has been coaching at Derby and Leicester most recently.

Kevin Phillips of Sunderland Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

A legendary partnership with Niall Quinn brought sheer delight to the North East and Phillips carries huge regard in this part of the world.

Super-Kev is presently second-favourite with the bookies to be installed as Sunderland boss with Nigel Pearson appearing to be shortest odds right now to succeed David Moyes.

Phillips has previously admitted he would love to return to Sunderland as manager one day but spoke of the timing having to be right for him personally. After coaching stints with Paul Clement, Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri, and a growing section calling for him to get the job, the time might be just right for Super Kev to stride back into the SOL.


But enough of that, let's get down to business - in a straight shoot-out test of the Sunderland fan base, who would you choose between Kevin Phillips and Stefan Schwarz as next Black Cats' boss?

Poll

Pick one: Stefan Schwarz or Kevin Phillips as next Sunderland boss?

This poll is closed

  • 52%
    Schwarz
    (421 votes)
  • 47%
    Phillips
    (378 votes)
799 votes total Vote Now

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