This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland are closing in on appointing a new manager with former Bolton Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson favourite to be announced as Jack Ross' replacement imminently.

The shortlist, is reported on Chronicle Live, to be down to Parkinson and current Wycombe Wanders manager Gareth Ainsworth, as the Black Cats look to appoint a manager capable of getting their promotion challenge back on track.

So if Parkinson is the man for Sunderland, would you class him as an upgrade on Jack Ross?

We discuss........

Chris Gallagher

"I'm not sure if he is an upgrade but he could be what they need.

"Ross arrived with a big reputation and even though he didn't do brilliantly at the Stadium of Light, he took them to Wembley twice and leaves them in the play-offs, it's not that bad.

"However, it's all about promotion for Sunderland. They need to get back to the Championship as soon as possible and Parkinson is a better fit for that.

"He will organise the team, he knows the division and even if he may not be the best long-term option out there, I would back him to lead them to promotion this season. So, it's a decision that makes sense if he lands the job."

Liam Drury

"Former Bolton Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson is being heavily linked with the vacant Sunderland post, and this could be an upgrade on former manager Jack Ross, who departed last week.

"Parkinson can be seen as an upgrade as he has more managerial experience within England, and is used to getting results in the cut-throat business of English football, especially in the depths of League One.

"Parkinson is capable of uniting Sunderland and bringing the fans back closer towards the players again, something he did while with Bolton, and he will insist upon a playing style that will suit the Sunderland squad down to the ground.

"The 51-year-old manager could most definitely be more of a success in the North East than what previous manager Ross was as Sunderland hunt for their new manager."

Jordan Rushworth

"Phil Parkinson would be an upgrade on Jack Ross for Sunderland, especially considering his experience of English football and League One in particular, having guided Bolton Wanderers to promotion from the division a few years ago.

"Sunderland perhaps were affected by not having a manager capable of grinding out enough league wins under Ross, and that is something which Parkinson could address, while he would also offer the experience of managing in the Championship should he manage to take the Black Cats up.

"Parkinson is also a manager that can work under very challenging circumstances, having managed to guide Bolton to promotion despite huge financial restraints – and he showed how his presence can lift moral around a club even in dark times during the first few weeks of the season at Bolton.

"Having worked under such a tight budget with Bolton, Parkinson would likely be able to get much more out of Sunderland’s squad than Ross has been able to at times in his spell at the club – and if he can do that then the Black Cats could thrive under him."

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