We’re currently 16th. We were 19th when Holden was sacked. Take your pick. But I’d say the problem lies elsewhere. Methven, Rodwell and Scott to be precise.
Particularly Scott. He was sacked by Forest because he bought in a shedload of poor players, and the manager paid the price, albeit against the wishes of the fans who still supported him. He's a BS merchant, all this garbage about "8 elite player 8 journeymen 8 youth players" what a load of crap. The owners seemed to have trusted Charlie boy, well they should have spoken to the Sunderland fans. I don't think Apples is a good manager, he's said some things which show his man-management to be poor, but he was chosen by the 3 wise monkeys, as was Deano, who was at least likeable and a good communicator.
Holden appeared to know more about his players and fans and in my opinion was unlucky with injuries and getting sacked - it’s just my opinion and I don’t give two hoots what you think
I think as their records show, there’s not much to choose between them performance wise. Holden has the more likeable personality certainly, but that doesn’t gain you points. I think they both did ok until the relative injuries came along and then the lack of quality and lack of depth in the squad took over. That is down to the SMT, their budget and the lack of spending, not either manager. Personally I am interested in what other posters think, as long as it remains polite, which it always does on here.
Parky was genuinely unlucky with the change of ownership on his watch. So was SCP. Bowyer was unlucky with the pandemic. Every other manager or head coach since Curbs has been crap rather than unfortunate. All gaffers get injuries to deal with. Only poor ones can't adapt.
Don’t think either of them are particularly good. But they both had one redeeming feature. They were cheap. And back round we go to Methven, Rodwell and Scott.
I did like the comment on CL that Appleton is Schrödingers twat - sacked but equslly not sacked. But my favourite wasbthe gollum one, which got me a ticking off at work.