Sunderland AFC legend Kevin Phillips joined Foundation of Light scholars for the latest instalment of Changing Room Chat.
The series of talks is giving players from Sunderland AFC’s official charity’s football and education programme the chance to hear from professional across various roles in the football industry.
Phillips, a Premier League Golden Boot and European Golden Shoe winner, follows another Black Cats legend Lee Cattermole, academy graduate and now Foundation coach Rees Greenwood, and Sunderland AFC Women player Emily Cassap in taking part.
The former England international shared anecdotes and advice from all aspects of his career, from being spotted in non-league after his release from Southampton to stepping into coaching and management, and of course his hugely successful six-year spell at Sunderland.
Among the insight Phillips shared on his career was his proudest achievement, with an answer that may surprise a few.
Snubbing the golden boot and representing England, Phillips said: “When you’re told that you’re not going to be good enough to be a professional footballer, you have setbacks, we all have setbacks in life, it’s about overcoming that.
“That’s probably one of the proudest things when I sit and think about my career, not letting it get me down and proving people wrong, which is great.”
Reflecting on those that have impacted his career, Phillips added: “Peter Reid was a massive manager for me.
“Talking about man management, he was one of the best. He knew when to give you a kick up the backside, he knew when to put an arm around you, he knew when to take you for a drink or meal.”
To listen to the full Changing Room Chat with Kevin Phillips, watch below:
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