Parkinson sacked as Cats manager - Taylor placed in temporary charge

Light on Tuesday night.

A statement from the club said that the next appointment would be made by the current board, and that no further comment would be made until this process is completed.

The club are understood to be on the brink of an ownership change, with Stewart Donald’s majority shareholding set to pass to a consortium led by Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

It is not clear yet whether Louis-Dreyfus will be assuming full control himself.

The Black Cats are currently five points off Peterborough United in second place, having played a game less.

The club statement read: Sunderland AFC has parted company with manager Phil Parkinson.

The 52-year-old was appointed in October 2019, overseeing a total of 47 matches during his 13 months at the Stadium of Light.

Assistant manager Steve Parkin also departs, and the club would like to place on record its thanks to both Phil and Steve for their efforts during their time at SAFC.

Preparations for Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Burton Albion will resume, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking charge of the squad.

The board will now begin the search for a new manager and will make no further comment until this process is completed.

*How does Parkinson’s win percentage stack up compared to other Sunderland managers? Jack Ross enjoyed a win ratio of 50.3%, leading Sunderland to the play-off and EFL Trophy finals.

Parkinson’s own ratio of 35.5% is slightly higher than Lawrie McMenemy’s 30%, but lower than Denis Smith’s 38.22%.

Smith, of course, was the manager of Sunderland 198791 and lead the club to the old Third Divison title.

Parkinson’s record is higher than Martin O’Niell’s 35.2%, Gus Poyet’s 30%, Steve Bruce’s 29.6% and Sam All ardyce’ s 29%. The aforementioned four managed Sunderland in the Premier League, however.