Phil Parkinson walks away from his match against Scunthorpe United with another loss to his name as Sunderland manager. The result itself shows how tough times really are at Sunderland, with the Black Cats losing to a team who sit 21st in the EFL League Two (Sky Sports).
The loss was Parkinson’s fourth in eight games for Sunderland. He drew two others, meaning he only has a 25% win percentage at the club (WhoScored.com). After the match, Parkinson spoke in an interview. Right off the bat, the 51-year-old shared his feelings on the club’s state, making reference to all the variables that were contributing to the poor performances.
But these comments left a bad taste in Sunderland fans’ mouths. They are tired of hearing excuses, especially after losing 3-0 to a team they were fully expecting to beat. Regarding Parkinson’s claims that he was lacking a striker, supporters weren’t having any of it. One fan couldn’t believe that the manager was willing to risk playing injured players in the competition either.
Playing the ‘poor me’ card already. Christ on a bike, he’s had the job 4 weeks and he’s eliminated us from 2 cups and pretty much a third. Baring a 5-0 win against the worst side I’ve seen at the SoL for years, the players aren’t buying into him, his team or his ways of working.
— gavinsand (@gavinsand) November 12, 2019
Lets roll all the clichés out. Are the lads working hard? Are we going to bounce back next game?
— Jon Ridley (@jonridley87) November 13, 2019
Lacking in strikers?
Will Grigg
Marc McNulty
Charlie Wyke
Duncan WatmoreOk. Blame your choices.
— antony. (@antoneee_x) November 12, 2019
Why are we playing players with knocks in this competition?! I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!
— Andy Hetherington (@_AHetherington) November 12, 2019
One supporter indicates that Parkinson looks broken, while others suggest he shouldn’t have even been appointed in the first place. Their gripe is with Stewart Donald, the club owner. Another suggests that it is the players who should be blamed.
he looks dour and broken. exactly the manager we didn’t need. he was bottom of the pile with supporters.
— Paul (@paulthomase) November 12, 2019
Strange choice of manager in the first place
— Gary Small (@GarySma32095167) November 12, 2019
Announce some sacking of players
— xJPJx142 (@KINGMAGUIRE1) November 12, 2019
What do we think?
It’s clear by these fans reactions that the Sunderland faithful don’t care to hear about the club’s roadblocks from Parkinson. It is his job to find a means to the end. Until the results are produced, they don’t want to hear his excuses. It’s up to him to work with what he’s got.