It has hardly been an inspired start to Phil Parkinson’s tenure as Sunderland manager, with the team only winning two of their first seven matches with him in charge. Luckily for the manager, both wins came in the EFL League One, bringing his record in the league to two wins and two losses (WhoScored.com).
Assistant Manager Steve Parkin spoke about the Black Cat’s upcoming fixture against Scunthorpe in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Some of the replies to these comments, however, indicated that the fans are growing weary of Parkinson and his management team. Some say that the coaching style of the current staff is negative, while one suggests that they aren’t telling fans anything they don’t already know.
Parkinson doesn’t have long until I lose faith in him…
— Jack Moyes. (@1879JJMoyes) November 11, 2019
— Keith Blanchard (@grumpyblanch) November 11, 2019
Hands in pockets, hands behind the back management skills = #Negativity
— We8themags (@Stuartw1610) November 11, 2019
Well that’s not rocket science is it now ?
— Lee Gamble (@LeeGamble1973) November 11, 2019
Other’s questioned the personnel decisions made by the management team, specifically pointing blame at goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin for his recent blunder. Another indicates that he wouldn’t even be that bothered by defeat considering the fixture pileup that is yet to come.
Here’s a thought. Do not play McLaughlin in goal again and that’ll give us a better chance of clean sheets.
— W1ll_C_95 (@Mr_Will_C) November 11, 2019
With our fixture pile-up, I’d happily take a defeat.
— Kevin Moeliker (@Kevsol) November 11, 2019
What do we think?
It is still only a month since Parkinson took over at the Stadium of Light, having taken the job on October 17, 2019 (safc.com). In other circumstances, a manager may have been afforded additional time to win over the fans, but the busy schedule that Sunderland current have means the supporters want results now. Fans need to ask themselves, “When is enough time enough?”