EFL pundit Keith Andrews believes it would be a ridiculous decision for Sunderland to part ways with Phil Parkinson at the current point of time. The former Bolton Wanderers boss was recruited by the Black Cats in mid-October and he has not changed the club’s fortunes with just two wins from 11 matches in all competitions.
In terms of the league, Parkinson has helped the Black Cats secure just seven points from six matches and this has already infuriated many of the fans. Speaking on Sky Sports’ EFL Podcast, Andrews acknowledged that the Black Cats have high expectations for promotion but they should give more time to Parkinson.
He said: “Very early would be an understatement for me. I think it’s ridiculous. I can understand the fans’ frustrations who are watching it every week. He’s inherited a squad which in my opinion are not as good as what they were. Confidence is a big issue for the players, the expectations as we know playing for that football club are very, very high.”
He added that the former Wanderers manager would want to stamp his own authority on the team and a couple of winter signings and the return of Charlie Wyke could take the club in the right direction, he added: “He hasn’t had a transfer window to stamp his authority on it in terms of the players he wants and Charlie Wyke has been missing. He coming back into the equation will make a big difference to the way they play.”
The Black Cats are currently within three points off the playoff zone and the club are certainly not in a desperation phase. They are now scheduled to go through a busy festive period with seven league games in the space of one month and the lack of victories would definitely encourage of dismissal of Parkinson from the helm.