Black Cats players that have most to gain from manager's sacking
Whenever there is a managerial change there are always going to be winners and losers in the squad.
Those players that were integral to the former boss may not be seen in the same light by the new man in charge, while there are always fringe players and youngsters eager to make an impression having been overlooked.
With Sunderland on the lookout for Phil Parkinson’s replacement, we examine those players who will be looking to kick-start their Sunderland careers under a new regime.
Aiden McGeady: Frozen out by Parkinson, the Scotland international spent the back end of last season on loan at Charlton before spending time training with the Under23s this season.
He has been injured, but he is now back working on his fitness and he was a surprise inclusion in the U23 side last Monday.
Arguably still the best player at the club, the new manager must quickly decide whether McGeady still has a future on Wearside or if he will be moved out either permanently or on loan come January.
Parkinson argued he’d decided to no longer include McGeady for the good of the squad, but with Sunderland dropping out of the play-off places, can they afford not to include their best player anymore?
Will Grigg & Aiden O’Brien: What more can you say about Grigg’s Sunderland
career that hasn’t already been said or written?
A major disappointment so far, to put it mildly. You can question whether the system, shape and tactics have been best suited to his game, but equally the Northern Ireland international has also missed a number of golden chances.
Grigg can still rescue his Sunderland career, but you feel he will be in the last chance sa
loon under the new manager.
O’Brien was signed by Parkinson, but he too will be hoping for a bigger role.
Dion Sanderson: Sanderson has barely featured since arriving on loan from Wolves, the highly-rated defender making just three appearances so far.
Despite a promising start, the clean sheets have dried up in recent weeks and fans have
been calling to see more of Sanderson.
A clean slate in the dugout could lead to the 20-year-old getting more game time.
Last season he was getting games for Cardiff City in a higher division and fans have expected to see more of him than they have so far.
Theyoungsters–DanNeil, ElliotEmbletonandJackDiamond: Parkinson had always
tipped Embleton to make a big impact this season, but injury has prevented him, so far.
With the attacking midfielder now back fit, the new manager will be keen to get a closer look at a player with bags of potential, with Sunderland in need of more creativity in the final third.
One of the reasons McGeady was no longer to be involved was because youth was to be given more of a chance, an opportunity for the next generation to develop their careers.
Fans are still waiting to see more of the likes of Dan Neil and Jack Diamond, with that one of the major criticisms aimed at Parkinson, that he didn’t throw enough caution to the wind at times and give the younger players more opportunities. Soon, they may have their chance.