Phil Parkinson has revealed that he is in regular contact with Sunderland owner Stewart Donald.

The Black Cats boss has endured a difficult start to his reign at the club with the Wearsiders currently in freefall in League One.

As a result, Sunderland find themselves in 11th place in the league - five points from the top six and a staggering 10 points from the automatic promotion places.

The North East club had one target at the start of the season and that was to secure promotion back to the Championship, but on current evidence that appears to be highly unlikely.

That has brought pressure to Phil Parkinson's door with some supporters calling on Stewart Donald to replace the former Bolton man as manager.

But while conversation with the chief have taken place, Parkinson says that they haven't been discussing his future at the club.

Speaking to the press, as quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Parkinson said: “I spoke to the owner last week, we had a meeting up here.

“I spoke to him again this week on the phone about what we need to do going forward and explaining any decisions I make to the owners, and I think it’s important to do that.”
Can you name the Sunderland XI from the 2014 League Cup final clash with Man City? Have a go!
 
The verdict Phil Parkinson deserves time to make his mark with Sunderland. While results have been far from ideal at the Stadium Of Light, the former Bolton boss has had limited time to make his mark on a squad of players which he inherited when he took over. Realistically, Parkinson should only be judged at the end of the season, and while things aren't looking good at the moment, things could easily turn around in the second half of the season.