Paul Cook has said that expectation is part and parcel of managing Sunderland after being linked with the job.

Reports from The Northern Echo have linked the former Wigan Athletic boss with the vacant post at the Stadium Of Light, with the club's hierarchy running the rule over potential candidates.

That comes after the decision to sack Phil Parkinson as manager.

The former Bolton boss had gone five matches without a win in all competitions - a run that has left the Black Cats off the pace in the push for promotion to the Championship.

It remains to be seen if Cook will be a genuine candidate for the role, but the experienced boss has said that the successful candidate will have to handle the pressure if they're to thrive on Wearside.

Speaking on the Totally Football Show, as quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Cook said: “The brutal reality of it is you have to be promoted, you must win football games.
“Because, you know, and you guys will see it close hand, everyone speaks about plans and philosophies and giving the new manager time. "Normally by the time the press have left the car park that day, you’re under the microscope right away. “That’s just football today. I felt that in a sense when I managed Portsmouth. The problem, again, for managers that go into these clubs is that the supporters, in general, are that used to seeing big names, big players. full stadiums, winning football.”

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  He added: "I do feel for Sunderland fans because what they have been through in the last five/six years is horrendous.
“Relegations, even the documentaries, you know, the Sunderland ‘Til I Die documentary because unfortunately, we all know how those documentaries are ending.
“They’re losing play-offs at Wembley to late goals, they have gad so much pain.
“And like a lot of big clubs, Sunderland fans are absolutely unbelievably strong good supporters.
“So I think any manager that goes in will know the rules quite quickly, you must deliver.” The Verdict Paul Cook would be a great shout for the Sunderland job. The task that he faced with Wigan Athletic was as high-pressure as it gets and he certainly comes across as a boss who would relish the pressure and expectation at the Stadium Of Light. Time will tell if he emerges as a genuine contender for the role, but the Black Cats could do a lot worse than Cook for the role.