It is safe to say that Sunderland Football Club are in need of a serious shakeup. The team has won just two games since Phil Parkinson took over and have been knocked out of both the EFL Trophy and FA Cup (WhoScored.com). Sacking the manager could be a short term solution, but what if the problem is more deeply rooted than that?
Sunderland fan account Roker Report brought up the idea of a Director of Football. They proposed the idea to fans via Twitter, asking supporters what they thought. The responses to the tweet were nothing but negative. It’s not that they don’t want a Director of Football, per se, but rather that they don’t think it would work. One fan even calls it a moot point considering the budget the appointee would have.
The last director of football spent the cash unwisely which got us in a right mess no thanks.
— Philip Andrews (@AndrewsPhilip7) December 1, 2019
No DoF for me. Let the manager manage the club. With a DoF there’s conflicts of interest all the time meaning a compromise of ideas that really don’t suit manager or DoF, and certainly don’t benefit the club
— ross lowrie (@rosslowrie) December 1, 2019
— Barry Robson (@barryrobson) December 2, 2019
It’s a bit moot when any DoF would have 2 packs of Monster Munch & a Curly Wurly to play with finance wise
— dullskuggery (@MaxHanaghan) December 1, 2019
Do you think Sunderland should hire a Director of Football?
Yes
No
One fan suggests that Parkinson wouldn’t be able to work with a Director of Football. Another indicates that the club must prioritise improvements in other areas firsts.
Pp wont work with one
— jonathon ellerton (@jonnye2689) December 1, 2019
What we need is a new RB, LB, 2 wingers, a centre forward who can run & jump and at least one CM player who can do that too.
— Ian Harrison (@Hag_SAFC) December 1, 2019
What do we think?
While a Director of Football could influence how the club is run, it may be too late to salvage this current season. The club are dropping way below their goals and quickly. Who knows if hiring a new position is the correct call? One thing is certain though. Something needs to change.