KEVIN PHILLIPS paved the way for his departure from Sunderland last night when the striker confirmed he expects to leave if the club go down.

After almost six seasons on Wearside, Phillips knows the financial penalties of relegation are likely to bring his love affair with the Sunderland fans to an end.

Following Saturday's surrender at West Ham United, Mick McCarthy used Leicester City as an example of how a club can bounce back if they retain the bulk of their best players.

But Phillips, who scored 52 Division One goals in two seasons in the Nationwide League for Sunderland, doubts he would stay if they lost their relegation battle.

He said: "If we went down, which looks inevitable, there would have to be cutbacks because the club would lose a hell of a lot of money as a result, and I'm sure the best players and top earners will leave."

Phillips refused to rule out the prospect of him remaining at Sunderland, insisting their fate was not yet sealed.

He added: "It's plain for everyone to see and people will make their own assumptions, but until I actually say that I'm leaving the club it's not going to happen."

Despite this caveat, however, Phillips's comments are a clear signal that he believes his goal-laden Sunderland career is approaching its close.

The 29-year-old would undoubtedly be coveted by a handful of Premiership vultures, looking to pick over the remnants of Sunderland's squad.

And his exit would be a massive blow to McCarthy's hopes of leading the club back into the top flight at the first attempt.

McCarthy said: "Leicester are doing well because they've kept the core of their team.

"To be shedding all your talent and all your stars makes it very difficult. It's hard if you're relying on kids.

"If we went down, I would want fresh players; people who wanted a fresh challenge. They would lift the desperation.

"I would want people who would be able to get this club back in the Premier League, where it deserves to be.

"We're the worst team in the League. Something needs changing. That's as plain as the nose on my face - and my nose is pretty plain!"

Phillips admitted he would be partly culpable if Sunderland's four-year Premiership tenure came to an end this season.

He has scored nine of the club's 19 League goals, having been forced to live on starvation rations up front alongside the anaemic Tore Andre Flo.

But Phillips said: "If we lose our next game, and that is the final nail in the coffin, then we would only have ourselves to blame.

"Everyone has to take part of the blame, and while it's not all dead and buried yet it's not looking good."

Former Manchester City midfielder Jeff Whitley, who trained with Sunderland last week, will play for the reserves tonight against Manchester United

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