Phil Parkinson may be a popular figure at the Stadium of Light now but he hasn’t had things all his own way, and it is testament to his character and management that he has been able to turn things around.
Sections of the support called for his head (via the Sunderland Echo) after a goalless draw with Bolton on Boxing Day but he maintained belief in himself and his players and now the Black Cats are thriving. A 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers on Saturday extended the Black Cats’ run to one defeat in 14 games, and remarkably the team have only conceded six goals in that time.
In fact, over the last nine games, only Portsmouth have been able to score against Parkinson’s side, and that means Sunderland have a very good chance of winning promotion – sitting just three points off second-placed Coventry.
The Sky Blues are the opponents this weekend, with another big clash coming up on Tuesday against play-off side Fleetwood, who have won each of their last five matches.
Former player Stephen Elliott has commended the job Parkinson is doing and many fans have reacted with agreement to his statement, and if the north-east outfit pick up points from the upcoming matches then the kind words for Parkinson are likely to continue.
https://twitter.com/SleevesElliott/status/1231665841894285312
The Black Cats are a very well balanced side and their qualities are showing in a number of areas, meaning it would be wrong to discount their chances of promotion.
Here are some of the things being said about Parkinson.
Getting the best out of a defence that had no clean sheets before he arrived has been the key.
— Frankie V (@VR3Frankie) February 23, 2020
Offloading mcgeady was a good move too
— Darren Leech (@DarrenLeech7) February 23, 2020
He absolutely deserves credit.
He was hammered from pillar to post by many, on social media and in the ground, but has gradually got the team looking much fitter, playing good attacking football, winning games, and believing in themselves.— Steve (Sid) Molnar (@MolnarSid) February 23, 2020
Very well said I am delighted we had the patience and faith to stay on the journey with PP
— Sean Churchill (@Safetysean1973) February 24, 2020
He’s really a brave manager he’s knows what he’s doing trying his best for his players also playing a lot of confidence. 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
— Oluwaseun Bamgboye (@bamgboyeolu) February 23, 2020
Brought in by Donald let’s not forget!!!!
— James Walton (@James82safc) February 23, 2020
Maybe just me , but feel like the way he has set us up , we are playing with 2 number 9’s if that makes sense as Gooch makes them box players runs due to the space Wyke is making being a hand full…and McGuire, can’t praise him enough , consistently excellent. Hope it continues
— StuT (@tenchylad) February 23, 2020
Keep this form up till May & PP will go down as Sunderland Legend #Believe #SAFC https://t.co/9pdO3xUWsq
— Glen Hilton (@GlenHilton6) February 24, 2020
How good has Parkinson been as Sunderland boss? Does he deserve a lot of credit for the recent form and can he guide the club to promotion? Let us know what you think Sunderland fans…
