Phillips moved from Watford to Sunderland just after their relegation from the Premiership. His career started slowly with the team struggling to get results while he struggled with niggling injuries. As the season progressed both his and the team's fortunes improved including one stretch which saw him score in seven consecutive league games, equalling the club record. He also became the first Sunderland player since Brian Clough to score 30 goals in a season. This mile-stone was reached n the penultimate game of the Division One season. In total, Phillips hit 35 goals in all competitions, the most by any Sunderland player in one season since WWII. His tally for the season included a four goal haul in the FA Cup 3rd round and two goals in the play-off campaign. In the build-up for Sunderland's third goal in the 4–4 draw with Charlton in the play-off final, Phillips pulled up with an injury and missed the remainder of the match, which Sunderland lost 7–6 on penalties. Phillips later described the final as his "most disappointing day in football", but also as the best match he had ever played in.
In all, Kevin Phillips made 209 league appearances for Sunderland, scoring 115 goals, at an average of more than one goal every two matches.
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