Phil Parkinson’s tenure at Sunderland so far has been an interesting tale of two completely different teams, with the Black Cats now looking a completely different outfit from a few weeks ago.
It is true that Parkinson got off to a terrible start that led to Sunderland dropping down the table but it is also worth noting that he didn’t take over in positive circumstances.
Jack Ross had been sacked for a reason, the north-east outfit were struggling slightly with a defeat to Lincoln forcing Stewart Donald’s hand, and Parkinson has had to install his own standards and methods to lift the team back up. Since, he has found a winning formula with Sunderland’s 3-4-3 formation working to great effect, but some fans refuse to acknowledge that he has done a good job unless he wins promotion.
As a result, many are holding back judgement until May, which is understandable given results could drop off. After all, Parkinson has overseen a run of just two wins in 14 matches at one point of his Stadium of Light reign.
Here is some of the debate taking place between supporters regarding whether Parkinson has been a success.
https://twitter.com/iEddsyy/status/1230051869055213568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1230051869055213568&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Fquery%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Ftwitter.com%252FiEddsyy%252Fstatus%252F1230051869055213568%26widget%3DTweet
Lets judge the appointment in May. The signs look promising but so did they this time last year.
— David collins (@DaveBetamax) February 19, 2020
Far too early. We’re one place ahead of where we were when he took over
— Herra (@JHerra18) February 19, 2020
Took over when we were 6th, we’re now 5th.
He’s basically bought a house, knocked down a decent enough interior wall and then rebuilt the same wall, so now it looks slightly better. Suppose we just need to see how well he plasters it now 🤓
— תאומא (@Tom_With_A_Tee) February 19, 2020
Cant deny he has done great post Boxing day to get us into a position where we are competing for automatic promotion. Superb turnaround and season will be defined on the upcoming head to heads with promotion rivals. Can’t be judged until May for me promotion or bust.
— StuT (@tenchylad) February 19, 2020
He took over when we were 6th. We’re now 5th. Delighted everything is improving but it’s May that will determine if he’s been a success or not. Absolutely essential we’re top 2.
— Jon Place 🍊 (@JonathanPlace1) February 19, 2020
Football is a results business. Fans were right to have a go during the bad run. They’re right to praise during the good run. How the next 13 games pan out will influence how fans will see him at the end of the season.
— Hummy (@eathummous1) February 19, 2020
So Sunderland fans is it still too early to judge Parkinson or do you think credit should be given where it’s due? Tell us in the comments below!
