Sunderland managed to beat Oxford 1-0 in the league this past weekend. It extends the side’s 2020 record to seven wins from 10 played.
An own-goal scored by John Mousinho in the third minute was the deciding factor.
But many fans praised footage of Phil Parkinson before the match. The manager stood outside the away dressing room, shaking each of his players’ hands as they exited the room.
Supporters were thrilled to see the manager interacting with the players in such a way, replying to a tweet with a snippet featuring Parkinson and the players pre-match. They are fully behind him.
Absolutely class from Parkinson
— Oluwaseun Bamgboye (@bamgboyeolu) February 16, 2020
The man management of him is why I liked him before he came, obviously 1 or 2 bad eggs who didn’t take to him, now we look more unified, long may it continue hawaaaayyyy meeee laaaddsssss
— Michael Airey (@airey87) February 16, 2020
Parky has proved to most he is a capable manager now and getting rid of macgeady was a master stroke.
— Mark Bolton (@markbol1972) February 16, 2020
Love this. PP is obviously respected by the lads and a massive positive influencer. Is this what it is to have a Winning mentality?
— simon (@SimonReed11) February 16, 2020
Is Phil Parkinson the best thing to happen to Sunderland this season?
Yes
No
Others admit that they were asking for him to be sacked not too long ago. They are happily eating humble pie right now. They can only imagine what he could have achieved if he was given the entire season with the side.
I was one of the people who didnt rate parky. Think I was wrong sry parky
— Neil Powell (@PowellNeil) February 16, 2020
I’ll have to be honest i supported him when he first came then wanted him out after a while Now I’m chuffed he’s our gaffer and i hope he has every success at Sunderland
— Anthony (@AnthonyClaughan) February 16, 2020
Happy to admit I was firmly in ‘Parkinson out’ brigade after his horrific start! However, I fully respect how, with the team, have turned things around. He’s got his head down and never complained unlike our bitter ex up the road #safc
— Glenn (@CommunityLd) February 16, 2020
I’ll hold my hands up he’s proved me wrong give me a slice of humble pie and il also owe him an apology
— Swankysafc (@swanky00000) February 16, 2020
Says a lot about the unity that Parkiola brings. Just a pity we didnt have him to start the season. Defied all odds to put us in with a great chance of doing something. Just need the fans to back him as well as the players are backed. ##itshappening
— Logcutter No.1 (@DoxyParkRed) February 16, 2020
What do we think?
Parkinson’s start at Sunderland wasn’t a great one. During November, he only managed to win one game from seven played. He only managed one victory in five attempts during December, as well. Fans of the Black Cats will be thrilled to see such a turnaround in January and February.