Allamby's influence is beginning to show, insists Parkinson
Phil Parkinson says Sunderland’s performances are beginning to show why he has so much faith in physical performance coach Nick Allamby.
Parkinson brought Allamby to the club after working with him at Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers.
At the time, he said it was part of the club’s process of rebuilding structures in key departments that had been stripped back in the aftermath of relegation to League One.
Sunderland’s aggressive pressing has caught the eye in recent weeks, causing their opponents to make a number of errors in possession close to their own goal.
The Black Cats have impressed with their play in the 3-4-3 shape and their conditioning has been a factor in that, something which Parkinson says shows why he was so keen to bring Allamby to the club.
“Nick is someone I rate very, very highly in his role,” he said.
“The proof is out on the football pitch.
“I can do all the talking I want about what he is going to offer us, but I think we're not we're starting to see that.
“That will continue to get better and better. Nick will have an impact not just on the first team but throughout the club.”
Allamby spoke of his arrival at Sunderland of the ‘holistic’ approach Parkinson takes, a key reason why they have enjoyed such a productive partnership in the past.
In essence, it means that the physical performance coach has a major influence on all aspects of Sunderland’s planning, from training schedules to travel.
Parkinson says it is a key part of his process.
“Nick is very good at monitoring the details of the training and getting the right intensity levels,” he said.
“It's absolutely key that the intensity levels during the week transfer to the game on a Saturday, but you've got to get it right so that you don't detract from the energy levels in the player's legs.
“Also, the strength and conditioning that the lads do in the gym is a very, very important part of the modern-day player and team.
“He's right in sync with that which is important.”