On This Day (29th Nov 2020): Sunderland Sack Phil Parkinson

In the midst of a global pandemic, all Sunderland AFC fans sought was some distraction or hope on the football pitch to get them through the tough times. It may have seemed like it, but was it really that much to ask?

With the club languishing in League One after a failed promotion push under Jack Ross, Parkinson was chosen to take over the helm in the 2019-20 season, labelled as a man with experience of promotion in the Football League. In truth, Parkinson did bring experience to the Sunderland fateful, but it was multiple insipid, torturous displays that made sticking pins in your eye seem like a pleasant and joyful pastime.

Football under the former goalkeeper was dour at its best and quite shambolic at its worst. Despite having some of the best players in the division, Parkyball was similar to watching a rugby team play ‘kick for touch’ rugby as at times it didn’t seem clear what sport we were actually playing.

After an initial shocking run of form, which included the woeful Boxing Day 0-0 with Bolton Wanderers that left us lower mid-table in League One, a run of decent form kept Parkinson in the job long enough for the pandemic to essentially cancel football and our season as we languished just outside the top six.

He started the season of Project Restart as Sunderland manager, but things simply never picked up enough with the team sitting in eighth position on this day in 2020.

Whilst we only lost twice before his sacking, countless draws against far weaker opposition, coupled with an absolutely horrendous style of football saw the former Bolton Wanderers manager lose his job on this day.

“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 will resume on Monday, 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.”

Despite rumours that owner Stewart Donald had been trying to sell Sunderland for some time, the club had declined to comment on reports that a deal is close to being completed, with things still incomplete. As it transpired, a week later, Lee Johnson was appointed new manager with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus at the helm as the new Sunderland owner.

One can easily reflect on where we were then until now and realise how far we have come. When we are reminded about times like the Parkyball days, we can really take a moment to enjoy where we are now.