Sunderland fan account Roker Report reminded fans that the club have lost four out of their six games under manager Phil Parkinson. Following this statistic, the account asked fans what their general feeling was considering their reasonably good position in the league.
While there were a few fans who were concerned, the overall feeling was resilience. With the club only being three points off third with two games in hand (Sky Sports), there is no need to panic in the eyes of these supporters. They admit that the current form isn’t good enough, but recognize the opportunity to grow.
On that form / results we’ll never see the top 2 come end of season and wont be in play offs never mind the top half. But still time for an upturn.
— Anthony Dodsworth (@ajdodsworth84) November 6, 2019
Give him time – it’s early days, there are some improvements already, if he can motivate the team and fans there is no reason why we cannot get promoted.
— mike treanor (@MikeETreanor) November 6, 2019
Some see January as a pivotal time for the team, suggesting that the position of Parkinson’s squad after the transfer market will provide a more accurate representation of his chances of achieving promotion.
If we can stay within reach of the top two then have a decent January window then I’d be happy.
— hettonpete (@hettonpete1) November 6, 2019
It’s there for the taking this league. No one has pulled away. If we can get our act together and with some investment we can do it
— John Ollier (@JohnOllier3) November 6, 2019
It’s nowhere near time to panic. The league isn’t even close to settling down yet. It’s in January/February if you look and see we’re 12 points off 2nd or something that you start to doubt it’ll happen.
— David Glen (@DavidGl74220890) November 6, 2019
One fan is concerned about the players’ lack of buy-in to Parkinson’s tactics, however another suggests that the team are still in a transitional stage.
It’s worrying that the players ain’t getting Phil Parkinson, that’s my concern, I wanted the bloke in ,but the players ain’t responding to his tactics, we ain’t got a game plan . Look at Southend we scrape a 1 0 Portsmouth blow them away, as has every other club.
— The Baz. (@paulbasnett10) November 6, 2019
Always thought it would take at least 6 games to get the team playing as the new manager wanted. Also two of these defeats have come in the cups.
— Paul Jennings (@pjennings73pj) November 6, 2019
What do we think?
The team’s position in the league is certainly not awful. But if this run of form continues, the club could sink lower in the league. There is still time for the players to buy into Parkinson’s philosophy, and with a decent transfer window, the Black Cats’ chances of returning to the Championship can definitely improve.