Sunderland have a great chance of going up this year but, with a number of other candidates vying for promotion, things certainly are tight at the top of League One.
The signs are positive having lost just once in 15 matches and there is now a clear identity to the team under Phil Parkinson and a strong spirit in the camp.
That is being reflected by the determination on show from the players, with Max Power’s last-gasp strike against Fleetwood earning a point and continuing the great momentum that is building in the north-east. With that in mind, the trip to Coventry this weekend is huge for both clubs as just three points separate them, while the Black Cats also face a visit to league leaders Rotherham on the last day of the season.
With promotion very much in the balance currently, some fans have been discussing Parkinson’s future and whether he should be kept on if Sunderland fail to go up. Although he has been doing a good job of late, Parkinson did only win two of his first 14 matches in charge and that creates a little doubt about his ability.
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Regardless, many are in favour of him continuing at the helm even if Sunderland miss out, as the reactions below show.
https://twitter.com/DanielHowe1303/status/1232823984074477568
The question shouldn’t even being asked. He HAS to be Sunderland manager next season, whatever league we are in. Despite the constant stick, he’s showed a thick skin, stuck to his guns with certain situations e.g. McGeady and it’s worked and we look 10x the team we did under JR
— David Hindmarsh (@DavidHindmarsh7) February 26, 2020
100%. Championship or League One, he deserves the chance to keep building a team next season
— James Tweddell (@Jamestweddell) February 26, 2020
Too early to tell? I thought he was a good appointment, then was fully on the get rid bandwagon in December now I think he should stay. Assuming we don’t collapse & fail to make the playoffs he’s earned a crack at full season (& a pre season given the fitness issues we had)
— Pete 🇪🇺 (@DreamingDejaVu) February 26, 2020
It’s too early to say isnt it. If current form continues then absolutely, but dont forget how the end of the season went with Jack Ross last year a similar end and we should have reservations
— Choccy Howlz (@choccy1983) February 26, 2020
Absolutely yes, the team now have an identity and playing style
— Ian Price (@Pricenator) February 26, 2020
It’s easy to say “if we don’t go up he has failed his main objective and should go” but let’s be honest, he has us playing 10 times better than Ross ever did and has potential investment on the horizon. Definitely stick with Parky.
— Jake (@ThisIsJakeJ) February 26, 2020
Do you agree that Parkinson deserves another shot at promotion next season if the team fails to go up this term? Let us know what you think!
