Kevin Phillips has reportedly emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant managerial position at Walsall.

The Saddlers recently made the decision to part ways with Michael Flynn, a result of his team's drop-off in form since the turn of the year.

While Walsall are in 17th position in the League Two standings and safe from relegation, the West Midlands outfit have won just one of their last 21 matches in the fourth tier.

Planning is now underway for 2023-24 and a number of high-profile names have been linked with a move to the Bescot Stadium in recent days.

However, according to The Sun, Walsall are open to handing the reins to Phillips, who has served his apprenticeship as a coach and manager for almost a decade.

Having spent time on the backroom staff at Leicester City, Derby County and Stoke, Phillips was given an opportunity to become South Shields boss in January 2022.

In his first full season in charge in 2022-23, the North East outfit won the Northern Premier League, securing promotion to the National League North in the process.

On Saturday, though, it was revealed that the 49-year-old had parted ways with South Shields, the club saying that it was mutually beneficial for their relationship to end despite their recent success.

Phillips is now seemingly in line to earn an opportunity in the EFL, whether that be with Walsall or any other club who may show an interest over the coming weeks.

The Sunderland legend recorded 40 wins and just 15 defeats during his 69-game stint with South Shields. body check tags ::