The last word...

PHIL PARKINSON is quietly going about the business of reviving Sunderland.

The Black Cats’ boss has built a strong, interchangeable squad and is well placed to push for automatic promotion out of League One.

Going into this weekend, they had the meanest defence in the country – with just one goal conceded in the league in six games.

With foundations like that, Parkinson will soon have the Mackems back where they belong.