Sunderland are set to appoint Phil Parkinson as their new manager, as reported by the Telegraph late last night.
It’s believed he’s set to be revealed on Thursday after holding several rounds of talks with Stewart Donald, the Sunderland owner.
They’ve been without a manager since dismissing Jack Ross in the aftermath of their 2-0 at Lincoln City a fortnight ago. Both Parkinson and Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth have been linked with the job, but it seems the former Bradford and Bolton man is going to get the nod.
Parkinson began his managerial career with Colchester in February 2003, where he steered the U’s to safety from the threat of relegation to Division Three. In the 2005/06 campaign, Colchester finished second and gained promotion to the Championship, which led to a move to join Hull City, a short-lived role.
He went on to join Charlton as number two to Alan Pardew and, following Pardew’s departure in November 2008, he took charge of first-team affairs.
In his first full season with the Addicks, he took them to the play-off places in League One, but narrowly missed out on the final on penalties. He remained with the club until January 2011, with the club in the play-off places at the time of his departure.
He took over at Bradford City, a sleeping giant in League Two and perhaps not entirely unlike Sunderland punching below their weight. In 2012/13, they became the first fourth-tier side in over 50 years to reach the League Cup final, losing in the final to Swansea. A second Wembley final was to follow at the end of the season as Parkinson took them into League One by winning the play-off final.
He later managed Bolton, where he took them into the Championship whilst udner a transfer embargo, but endured releation as they imploded last season, leaving his role after their game with Doncaster, was postponed.
His appointment isn’t universally popular, despite his record of competing in the upper echelons of this division, as you’ll read below.
https://twitter.com/tmalbrghtn/status/1184579197114732544
https://twitter.com/lee_willingale/status/1184578671014752257
This is the problem with us Sunderland fans. We never give anyone a chance. Parkinson hasn’t even been appointed yet and some of you are acting like this. Get a grip of yourselves and get behind him. Ha’way the lads!!! #safc @Jam_Sarny
— Jake (@Jake71121606) October 16, 2019
After seeing the reaction to his appointment Parkinson might want to pick up the phone to Super Kev & see if he still wants a job #SAFC.
— Richard Murton (@Murtz03) October 16, 2019
Phil Parkinson to be announced tomorrow. #SAFC wouldn't of been my choice, but wish him well. 🔴⚪
— Andrew Sharp (@AndySAFC78) October 16, 2019
Suspect if Parkinson is appointed, it will mean the Dell related takeover isn’t happening otherwise surely it would have been Pearson/SuperKev? Parkinson known for direct not exciting football, but if we win games does that matter? Usual #SAFC chaos continues
— stroller (@nigeynugs) October 16, 2019
Parkinson stinks of takeover/investment not happening. I will get behind him but cant help feel all is not as well as people would let u believe at the sol. Hope I'm wrong though #safc
— Dave Johnson (@dpentl_) October 16, 2019
Phil Parkinson’s Red n white army.
Underwhelming.
The travelling salesmen, Charlie and Stew might not be as keen to get pissed up with the fans now that the honeymoon is well and truly over.#SAFC
— John Mitchell (@JohnMi7chell) October 16, 2019
So Sunderland sack Jack Ross & replace him with Phil Parkinson. It's like throwing a Greggs (other brands available) sausage roll away because it's shite, then going in & buying another one. Bizarre appointment. Owner out his depth & clearly skint. Proper cowboy #safc
— Chris (@durhamchris1983) October 16, 2019
Sadly Nd I mean that Sunderland fans have become too expectant and too powerful.
1. Expectant.
Sunderland have to win every game home, away, league and cup.. If they don’t the fans blame the manager and demand his sacking.
2. Powerful.
Fans believe that just because they go home and away to every game this puts them in a unique position. Because they pay their money , the fans believe they have a right to scream and howl at the manager every time a player makes a bad pass.
The more they howl, the more they believe the owner will take notice.
#Unfortunately ,they are right. The owner pleases the fans far too much and the manager is sacked. I don’t just mean Jack Ross. I mean all eleven managers we’ve had in the last ten years. The exact same thing will happen to the next manager as soon as he loses a game, he will be howled at by the powerful but sadly ignorant so called fans.