In preparation for their match against Gillingham, Phil Parkinson spoke in a prematch press conference. One of the topics discussed was the fitness of striker Will Grigg. Parkinson insisted that the player was back in contention for a spot in the starting lineup after missing out through illness. This news was shared via Sunderland’s Twitter account.
With the team struggling for goals, one would naturally think that this news would come as a relief to Sunderland fans. The Black Cats have really struggled in recent weeks to score more than one goal a game (WhoScored.com). But fans were not convinced that Grigg would be able to make that much of an impact on the team’s poor form.
Imagine thinking he’s an important player….
— Luke Hedley (@LukeJH18) November 18, 2019
Glad he’s recovered from his sickness. But he is never gonna make it here, get some moneg for him in january. #safc
— Chris F (@Christianfors23) November 18, 2019
This fan believes that the statement will prelude the news that Sunderland management will not search for a new striker in January. It appears to him that Grigg will be the man Parkinson and his staff will look to for goals for the remainder of the 2019/2020 season.
In other words we won’t be buying a proven striker in Jan so grigg will have to do.
— Corneilious71 (@boxing_buddy) November 18, 2019
One fan simply doesn’t think he is good enough and that his tenure at the club proves it. Another fan questions why Grigg, who is valued at £1.35 million (Transfermarkt), isn’t finding his feet at Sunderland, claiming that there could be a variety of variables causing the player’s downfall. If he can find is form though, he will be a real asset to Sunderland.
This statement is very worrying if the management are pinning their hopes on him. Take it from us after 11 months of watching him he’s not the answer.
— Tim (@safctim) November 18, 2019
I think we all have to agree he hasn’t performed to his previous standard in this league and the big question is why. Is because of the past manager, the fact he now plays for a big club( history) he can’t handle the demand from fan’s, or simply of form?.
— Andrew Stephenson (@AndrewS06501942) November 18, 2019
the lad needs to find his mojo, fast
— jonafan (@jonalsopuk) November 18, 2019
What do we think?
If Parkinson is willing to hang his hat on Grigg, then perhaps he is seeing things in training sessions that he likes. But fans are not convinced that he is the man to bring them back into the Championship. They would much rather see Stewart Donald splash the cash in January than hope for Grigg to turn his career around.