Harry Kane has been a prolific goalscorer for both England and Tottenham Hotspur, but there is one accolade that has eluded him: the European Golden Boot. However, he is not the only English player to have missed out on this award. Kevin Phillips, who played for nine different professional clubs, was the top scorer in Europe with 30 goals for Sunderland in the 1999-2000 season, but he never scored a goal for the Three Lions.
Phillips has now turned his hand to management, taking charge of non-league South Shields FC in the Northern Premier League. Last season, the team finished second in the league but lost to Warrington Town on penalties in the play-off semi-final. Phillips described this as the worst feeling he had ever had in sport, saying that he felt he had let everyone down.
However, this season is looking more promising for South Shields FC, with Phillips leading them to the top of the league. He has also received some valuable advice from former England boss Steve McClaren, who he says gave him the best advice he ever received. This advice came during a conversation in the shower, where McClaren told Phillips that he must love all of his players, even if he thinks one of them is an “a*******”. According to McClaren, showing love to all players is essential for keeping your job.
McClaren is now back at Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s assistant, but it seems unlikely that he saves his wisdom for the showers at Old Trafford. Phillips, meanwhile, will be hoping that his management skills will lead South Shields FC to promotion this season.