Sunderland host Coventry City on Saturday in a massive League One clash.
The Black Cats head into the game on the back of an extra-time cup defeat to Gillingham in midweek which saw fans further question the recent appointment of Phil Parkinson to replace Jack Ross in the dugout.
The defeat left Parkinson with just two wins in nine games across all competitions since he took over, a run of form that leaves him desperate for a win against third-placed Coventry City on Saturday.
Sunderland are ninth, just two points off the playoff places and will be looking to build on their last league outing at the Stadium of Light when they beat one of the divisions whipping boys Southend United 1-0.
Parkinson was not a popular choice amongst many Sunderland fans, and after the defeat at Gillingham, many supporters openly stated they felt it was a huge mistake to get rid of his predecessor, whose results look better with each passing game under the former Bolton boss. Others felt the massive error was not getting rid of Ross, but replacing him with Parkinson.
It is clear the current plight of the team is not acceptable to many fans, and the pressure on Parkinson might reach stratospheric levels if he fails to get a result on Saturday.
Here is a flavour of some of the comments on Twitter by Sunderland fans lamenting the loss of their old boss, recently appointed by Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
I started having my doubts about #JackRoss in his last 5 games or so but he was still getting results weather winning or drawing with same squad Parkinson has so really sacking Ross was a huge mistake in my opinion, so Parky no excuses #SAFC
— Darryl Nellist (@DazN95) November 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/GrahamNPaterson/status/1196916979539599360?s=20
Well done #SAFC …We’ve thrown out Jack Ross for a League One David Moyes. Imagine being one of the fans calling for Ross’s head
— Adam (@ryl4tt) November 19, 2019
Catching up to Jack ross' number of defeats over 18 months in less than 2 months #Impressive #SAFC #SackParky
— The Adventures Of Mr&Mrs Isted (@the_isteds) November 19, 2019
Hes no better than jack ross so why change
— Shaun Stoker (@ShaunStoker7) November 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/Kristophr/status/1197116793816592385?s=20
https://twitter.com/maxmason78/status/1196915775287758848?s=20
I will not apologise for wanting Jack Ross out. It was the right decision. Unfortunately, a catastrophic decision followed that when Donald went for the cheap dinosaur who looked like he'd given up on life before he even had job #safc
— Jordan (@_wisemensay) November 19, 2019
What a great move sacking Jack Ross has been. We are now lower in the league and out of two cup competitions since he left. Last season he took us to Wembley twice, and we were in a play off place when he was sacked.
— Lyn Gillan (@lynngillan) November 20, 2019
