JUST IGNORE THE CRITICS, SAYS PARKY

UNDER-FIRE Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson has urged his players to block out social media criticism after their turbulent start to the League One season.

Parkinson has overseen a mixed autumn period at the Stadium of Light since taking over from Jack Ross in October, winning just a solitary game in November as the Black Cats bid to go one better than last season’s playoff final defeat against Charlton.

But it’s been a rocky ride for the north-east side, prompting criticism from all corners as they head into the busy festive period.

And the 51-year-old Parkinson has called for his players to ignore the noise as they set out on launching a renewed topsix push.

“I don’t read it and I think any manager or player who is on social media is foolish,” said the Black Cats boss.

“It can affect them – they’re human and no matter the job, something like that, constant negative feedback will knock you and affect your performances.

“You don’t go on there to say positive things – it is quite often negative, and the people at the club keep me informed about whether there is anything relevant I need to see in terms of speaking to the press.

“But I advise the players to ignore it and focus on the job.”

Parkinson knows he has a task on his hands to turn around Sunderland’s recent toils, eyeing up a raft of new signings in January to bolster the club’s play-off chances.

But while an influx of talent remains desirable, he is aware that patience is key when waiting for recruits to arrive.

“All we can do with any transfer target is make the player, the club and the agent aware of our interest and then keep it as quiet as you can,” he added.

“If we have to be patient, we have to be patient.”