On this day in 2000, Kevin Phillips was named Carling Player of the Season following a sensational debut season in the Premier League.
The prolific striker also collected the Carling Golden Boot after topping the scoring charts with a 30-goal haul, as Sunderland finished seventh in the top flight.
Phillips was in a league of his own throughout the campaign, with Alan Shearer finishing as runner up on 23 goals as Dwight Yorke finished third on 20.
And the Carling Awards Panel, which included England manager Kevin Keegan, were left in awe of the striker’s unparalleled record.
"Kevin Phillips has made the transition from First Division to the Carling Premiership without a problem and has been banging in goals for fun with Sunderland.
"You can't argue with stats and 30 goals in one season is a phenomenal strike rate, if he can continue this form during Euro 2000 he will make himself a national hero."
After bagging 30 goals in 36 games, Philips was also named North East Football Writers' Player of the Year while also bossing the Wear-Tyne derby by scoring three goals across the two games.
The Hitchin-born striker failed to register in Sunderland’s season opener against Chelsea, but one week later he was off the mark as notched a brace against Watford.
Goals continued to flow as Phillips netted against Newcastle United at a soaking St James’ Park, as the away end witnessed a memorable comeback and an unforgettable goal.
By the end of September, the free-scoring Black Cat had announced himself on the big stage with his first top-flight hat-trick, and he continued in a similar fashion throughout a campaign that will forever be etched in Wearside folklore.