This time last month, Sunderland fans would have been demanding change from their club. The sides 1-1 draw with Blackpool on December 14 marked the team’s 11th game without a win under Phil Parkinson. They had played just 13 games at up until that point (WhoScored.com). Since that game, the club have gone undefeated in their last five matches, winning three of them (WhoScored.com).
In response to the side’s first back to back wins, beating Lincoln and then Wycombe, Roker Report asked fans if they were ready to ‘eat humble pie‘ regarding Parkinson. It appears the manager has made quite the turnaround at the club.
Many fans admitted that they can only praise the manager’s recent results, but they aren’t willing to get carried away. In order for them to admit that he was the right signing, he must sustain this success. Playing Championship football next season would be the ultimate goal.
To be honest every Sunderland fan will have to eat humble pie over at least one of these few people, Parkinson, Hume, old form of Gooch and attitide of Maguire, even Wyke. They have all come good at the right time probable down to new fitness coach. Hopefully where on the up now
— Gary Bailey (@FTM2) January 13, 2020
J ross W5 D4 L2. Parky W5 D4 L4.
Not getting carried away just pleased they are playing better.— David collins (@DaveBetamax) January 13, 2020
He has performed a turn around, after a disastrous spell. Not getting carried away. Long way to go yet and nothing gets won in January. We need to maintain this until the end of the season. Ask me how I feel about him in 5 – 7 games time.
— Stuart Weir (@Stu_Weir) January 13, 2020
I’m eating some humble pie, the season not finished but like a lot of people jumped the gun on him and looks like I was wrong, he has handled the situation very well and pleased his hard work is now paying off, it’s not just the results it’s the style of play and performance
— Dez Crowley (@jodez100) January 13, 2020
Too early for humble pie but I’ll happily eat it if he gets us promoted. Signs have been promising but its early days in the “revival”.
— Parker (@Parkersafc) January 13, 2020
Are you ready to eat humble pie regarding Parkinson?
No
Yes
Others suggest that they refuse to admit they were wrong. Parkinson deserved all the abuse he got back in November and December, but they are fully behind him now, assuming he continues to produce results.
Not at all he deservedly got slated for some of our worst performances to date and fortunately he’s rode that out.
It can still go either way as with any manager but for now I’m happy we are winning and playing well. Long may it continue even with Parky!!!— Graham Coates (@g81coates) January 13, 2020
What do we think?
With the club currently just a point off a playoff spot with a game in hand, Parkinson and Sunderland have a great chance to prove the fans what they can do. Championship football would surely mean the world to these fans who have seen the side fall so far from the graces of the Premier League.