Sunderland are going through a tough period at the time of writing with the club currently sat outside of the Sky Bet League One play-offs.
They currently find themselves behind Peterborough United only on goal difference but should results go against them, both Wycombe Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers can fly above them in the standings. New manager Phil Parkinson appears to have guided them slightly back on track but their form appears to have died down following the turn of the new decade.
Parkinson replaced Jack Ross who was sacked earlier on in the season following a string of unimpressive performances against sides his team should of beaten. Ross guided them to a place in the play-off final last season but the Black Cats lost out to Charlton Athletic courtesy of a 96th minute goal for the Addicks. They were hotly tipped to put that disastrous final behind them and fire themselves back into the Championship, however they appear to be off the pace, sitting eight points behind league leaders Coventry City.
Sunderland are a massive football club for the level but following years of hurt for their supporters, they appear to be leaning against Parkinson staying on in his current role. The former Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City manager hasn’t won over their supporters entirely.
Taking a look at the Sunderland AFC Fans Banter Group on Facebook, here’s what they had to say on Phil Parkinson’s future:
Stephen Scott: "Need Donald and Parkinson out. Need owners with a plan and direction."
Robert Francis’ Fletcher: "No, he’s not pulling his finger out and getting enough done for the team, he needs to get the team pulled together. We can beat teams higher than us but for some reason we can’t seem to beat the teams below us."
Grant Phillips: "No he’s not. But, whoever takes us up (when/if that happens) is on a hiding to none as these players are not good enough for the Championship. Division 3 standard except JM, Willis and probably Gooch when he gets back in the act."
Ben Carr: "Only concern is we cannot seem to beat the top teams in this league, what hope would we have of giving any team in the championship a game? With better players who knows but we need a bit of solidarity."
Jason J Randles: "Nope, but who are we going to get realistically?"
Allan Crago: "We can’t just keep on chopping and changing managers. This is one of the reasons we are where we are, so yes."
Craig Scott: "Yes if he gets the right backing."
Rhys Lincoln: "Just sell the club and see what happens."