A NORTH-East footballing legend is taking on a new role at the club where he made his mark.

Kevin Phillips, Sunderland’s leading post-war goalscorer, has agreed to become an ambassador for the club’s charity, the Foundation of Light.

The Hertfordshire-born 41-year-old, who recently retired from playing, is a coach at Premier League newcomers Leicester City.

Mr Phillips, dubbed Superkev by fans, remains the only English player to win the European Golden Shoe, for scoring 30 Premier League goals for Sunderland in the 1999-2000 season. Between 1997 and 2003 he scored 113 goals in 208 appearances and formed a special and lethal partnership with the future club chairman Niall Quinn.

Sir Bob Murray, who founded the Foundation when he was club chairman in 2001, said: “Among Sunderland fans Kevin has legendary status.

“He played a major role in what was one of the club’s most exciting periods, and his goals and talent cemented a place in the club’s folklore.

“He’s always been a top man as well as a top player and he was genuinely interested in the invaluable work the Foundation does with families in the region.”

Mr Phillips said: “Sunderland will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved my time on Wearside and have really fond memories of the city and the club.

“It’s great to be able to give something back to the community after all the support it gave me – and it’s also very hard to say no to Sir Bob.

The Foundation works with more than 42,000 adults and children in the region annually and helps to promote education through football.