Premier League legend Kevin Phillips has been brutally axed by National League club AFC Fylde in the midst of their struggle to avoid relegation this season.
Phillips, formerly of Sunderland and England, took over last October after brief spells in charge of fellow North East outfits South Shields and Hartlepool United.
However, after a dismal run of just five wins in 18 league games, the 51-year-old has stepped away by mutual consent and leaves Fylde in 22nd, a point from safety.
He oversaw just one win in his final five matches and his last game at the helm proved to be the 2-1 defeat by relegation rivals Boston United on Tuesday night.
The change in the dugout was confirmed in a blunt club statement.
It read: ‘AFC Fylde can confirm that the club and Head Coach Kevin Phillips have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.
Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips has been axed by non-league AFC Fylde
The club confirmed Phillips has departed by mutual consent in the midst of a relegation scrap
Fylde were promoted to the National League as National League North champions in 2022-23
‘We would like to thank Kevin for his efforts and wish him well for the future.
‘Current assistant coach David Longwell will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.’
Phillips, who previously took on coaching roles at Leicester, Derby and Stoke, won eight caps at senior level for England but failed to score.
He spent six years at Sunderland between 1997-2003 and scored 130 goals.
The ace memorably won the Premier League’s Golden Boot after netting 30 goals in the 1999-2000 season, midway through his time on Wearside.
Fylde were promoted to the National League as National League North champions in 2022-23 and finished five points above the drop zone last season in 18th place.
Speaking about his decision to take on the job, Phillips told Sky Sports: ‘Firstly, the facilities here are second to none.
‘I’ve heard a lot about this football club over the years. The set-up, the ambition, the infrastructure – until you see it, you don’t believe it.
‘But from the minute I’ve come up here, it’s fantastic, not just here at the ground, but the training ground, the academy.
‘The facilities are second to none, so the owners have done a magnificent job.’
