It’s getting a bit Parky in Wearside soap opera
IT’S about a year since the Sunderland ‘Til I Die eightparter started being shown on Netflix, in what was intended as the story of a Championship promotion chase but instead charted their relegation.
At that time it seemed the worst was behind the Black Cats and Jack Ross’ young side might eventually provide a happier sequel.
But, having sacked Ross in October – the play-off final among ten defeats in the Scot’s 75-match reign – his replacement Phil Parkinson might not see out November.
Parkinson won plaudits for his dignity when Bolton’s staff went unpaid but he has won few friends during his 42 days on Wearside, with seven losses from his 11 games in charge, not to mention a direct style of play that does not seem to suit the players he inherited.
The ‘sacked in the morning’ chant is in danger of becoming as iconic at the Stadium of Light as Wise Men Say and Parkinson was serenaded with the former during Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to bogey side Burton, ironically managed by Sunderland-born Nigel Clough.
Striker Will Grigg is also knee-deep in the malaise, the £3million January buy having scored just once this season.
The Black Cats were sixth in League One when owner Stewart Donald pulled the trigger on Ross, saying: ‘My judgment call would be that our best chance of promotion would be to change it.’
They are 11th now and Donald, who attended his first game for several weeks on Tuesday, saw just how toxic the atmosphere has become in his absence. Sunderland’s soap opera is in full swing again.
PARKINSON EARNED PLAUDITS AT BOLTON BUT HAS WON FEW FRIENDS ON WEARSIDE SO FAR