Bolton Wanderers manager Keith Hill says Sunderland's fans ought to back their under-fire manager Phil Parkinson if they are to get out of their current predicament.

The Black Cats' goalless draw with Bolton on Boxing Day means it is now just two wins in 14 games in all competitions for Sunderland under Parkinson, a run which has left them 15th in the League One standings.

Parkinson was forced to listen to calls for his sacking during that game, but Hill - who took over from the Sunderland manager at Bolton back in August - believes those calls were unjustified.

Speaking about the situation Sunderland find themselves in after the game, Hill told The Chronicle: “I don’t think there was an awful lot wrong last season or at the beginning of the season.

“And I don’t think there’s a lot wrong now, it just needs a little bit of salt and pepper. But if you keep putting pressure on a manager and players, you’re going to end up with failure. It’s as simple as that.

“This is a massive, magnificent football club, but if you change manager, change players, change owner on a regular basis..."

Despite their current struggles, it seems Hill still believes that Sunderland possess one of the best squads currently competing in the third tier, with the Bolton boss continuing: “You’ve got a good manager and a good group of players and it will come together.

"I’m glad that we don’t have to play you again this season. No matter what people say, they’ve got a smashing team who are probably just a little low on confidence.

“I can tell you now, probably 21 other managers would probably swap squads tomorrow.”

Next up for Sunderland is a trip to the Keepmoat Stadium to take on Doncaster Rovers on Sunday afternoon.

The Verdict

This is an interesting one.

Hill's support for a fellow manager is admirable here, and you feel Parkinson will appreciate the support, although it could be argued some of his comments may not exactly help the Sunderland boss.

Given their run to the League One play-off final last season, it does seem as though Hill's suggestion that the Black Cats have one of the best sides in the division as things stand, and that is something that is likely to raise further questions about Parkinson's struggles to get results out of this side, putting the 52-year-old under yet more pressure at the Stadium of Light.