Stewart Donald has told supporters that Sunderland supporters that loan deals could be the priority in the January transfer window.

The Black Cats are struggling for form in League One after picking up just 26 points from 18 games so far this term.

That has left them sitting in 11th place, five points off the top six and more alarmingly, 10 points from their original target of the top two.

Phil Parkinson has come in for plenty of criticism since his appointment as Sunderland boss, however the message has always been that he's the right man for the job - something which was echoed in a recent Supporters' Group meeting.

Minutes from the December 4 Supporters Group meeting, as quoted by Sunderland Echo, read: “SD [Stewart Donald] appointed Phil Parkinson (PP) because he believes he is the right man for the job, he knows the league, is well connected and has a lot of experience; we are more ahead of the game, in terms of preparation for the January transfer window, than we were last year, there is a clear synergy at the club.
“There will be signings for the future.”
Asked about the January window, the minutes added: “SD explained loan deals are easier to do as you know which players available, permanent deals must be done more carefully, identifying the correct player and looking at the wider social / practical implications of signing them.”
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.