Fan Letters: ‘The sooner Parkinson’s replaced as Sunderland manager, the better,’ says Chas

Dear Roker Report,

I have three questions.

First of all, is it me or is PP waiting for the inevitable?

His team selections are unbelievable – square pegs and round holes is a statement that is being worn out when our team selections are released.

I have a good idea let us play one of our most promising attacking players at centre back! Oh sorry, PP has already tried that one.

Or, we could keep on playing senior players that have performed poorly all season instead of introducing a couple of young players, not the wholesale changes like for the Pizza trophy. I would like to have seen Neil and Embleton in midfield with Leadbitter, rather than seeing Power and Scowen underperform again.

Secondly, is it me or does anyone feel that PP has lost the dressing room? If the players are sticking to his game plan then obviously the buck stops with PP for the negative, defensive tactics that have been on display all season – and then we go back to question 1.

If the players are not doing as they are being coached/told to do then why not try dropping them? Is Aiden McGeady the only player that PP feels need the strong arm treatment.

Finally does anyone agree with my sentiments that if SD does retain shares in the rumoured part sale, that SD is not welcome anywhere near the Stadium of Light due to the dishonesty committed by the chancer?

John Kennedy

Ed’s Note [Martin]: From Parkinson’s perspective, I think he’s just doing his job – and it’s the job his track record suggested he would do. He’s a defensive manager, who trusts experienced players and doesn’t switch his side around much at all. Nothing we’re seeing should be a surprise to anyone. I agree with you about the likes of Neil and Embleton – the fact they couldn’t even make the bench on Saturday speaks volumes.

Regarding your point about Donald, there’s a good, balanced piece up on the ALS site which explains why he’d be retaining a stake in the club. Personally, if the takeover goes through, I’d prefer to concentrate on the future, not the past. Life’s too short.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

It seems that every time we get a winning team together, the following game the team is changed. If you have a winning team why change it?

Anthony Parton

Ed’s Note [Martin]: I’d have said the opposite, Anthony. Parkinson’s usually very rigid in his team selection. Changes were made up front on Saturday, granted, however that was a bit of a departure for the manager – he’s trying to figure out how to get the team performing better in the final third.

Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Once again we have to watch the dross that the current Sunderland team produce under the management of Phil Parkinson, and what’s worse have the misfortune to listen to his words of so called wisdom afterwards.

I can only say that the buck stops with him, as manager (lol) it is his responsibility to train and produce a team that can not only win matches but do so in a entertaining and effective manner by the use of team training, tactics and the best TEAM he can produce along with his coaching staff.

To blame poor finishing etc for poor results is basically blaming himself for continuing to pick players who have constantly failed to perform for him.

Clearly team selection, game management and tactics of play are beyond his capabilities and I for one believe the sooner he is replaced as manager the better.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Getty Images

Previous writers on this forum have stated the cost involved in terminating his contract, I do not know what wages he is on but surely paying him off can be no more expensive than the losses the club will have if we fail to gain promotion this season.

I sincerely hope that even Donald can see what action needs taken where Parkinson is concerned but I guess he’s waiting for the takeover to complete so he doesn’t have to payout himself.

I for one would be more than willing to put forward the £10 TV fee each match day that it has cost to watch the dross the team has produced under his mismanagement, just to get rid of him.

Surely yourselves or the RAWA could commence a crowdfund account to raise whatever it takes to get rid of this joker before it is too late. I’m sure even Donald would get the message if enough people donated, after all it wouldn’t cost him anything. And should he by a miracle pay it himself (Parky was his choice after all) the money could be donated to a worthwhile charity.

A drastic idea I know but drastic times calls for drastic measures.

Chas Shergold

Ed’s Note [Martin]: I think it was clear all along that Parkinson was a short term appointment, in that he had one remit – get us out of League One. He’s failed, and he’s certainly not been much of an improvement on his predecessor.

I suspect if the club wasn’t in the middle of a takeover he may have gone by now – he might have gone at the end of last season – and I would have thought if and when the new owners take over the manager’s position will be under scrutiny.

Re crowdfunding Parkinson’s severance package, let’s wait to see what happens. Personally, I don’t think we’ll need to wait that long – if we do, results, and performances, will have picked up!

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Another sterile performance [on Saturday]. All of the players brought in are not good enough to go straight into the first team. No pace, no skill, no trickery.

Willis just boots the ball upfield to no one, all our midfield players are incapable of going past players, and always play sideways or backward passes.

I’m 66 years old and would be confident of marking Grigg, Graham and Wyke out of the game. Not one player in this team would worry any opposition. Both goalkeepers are hopeless and don’t instil any confidence to our defenders.

This team will never finish in the top six.

Change of management now is imperative to save another wasted season.

Ann Winship

Ed’s Note [Martin]: The performance are poor Ann, and there’s no denying it. The frustrating thing is we have players such as Embleton, Neil, Diamond etc sitting in the stands, and they could bring some of that pace, skill and creativity.

To be fair to Willis, he’s clearly unfit – for me, he’s an excellent centre back at this level – and in the interests of balance, I believe we would finish in the playoffs this season if Parkinson stays in charge. However, we should be aiming for better.