Clenched Fist Salute

Phil Parkinson thanked ‘tremendous’ Sunderland fans after they sang his name during the Black Cats’ win against Bristol Rovers at the Stadium of Light.

There were calls for Parkinson’s head less than two months ago after his reign got off to a poor start, but since Boxing Day the Black Cats have won nine out of 12 games, climbed from 15th to fourth in the table, and moved to within three points of the summit.

The turnaround in Sunderland’s fortunes has been reflected in the mood towards Parkinson on the terraces, with the Roker End singing ‘Parky, Parky, give us a wave’, and the manager responding with a clenched fist salute.

“It was great,” said Parkinson about the fans’ reaction.

“The supporters have been tremendous - I said to the lads before the game that it’s important that the intensity of our play is right, the closing down is right, and the work ethic is there, because those elements are what have got the supporters right behind you and made this an enjoyable place for you to play.

Cannot wait for Tuesday's Party with Parky

 

Nothing but admiration for the bloke, he stood up to all the negative press and calls from the stands, many a manager would have folded, this guy must be made of sterner stuff. I've said on many occasions, I was guilty of some of that negativity given what what was happening up tilll Xmas, but right now, wouldn't swap this guy, he has completely changed my mind.

 

He’s certainly done a great job so far and I think he’ll get us up, can he cut it in the championship tho that’s the question?

 

"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you..." the man had the courage of his convictions to stick to his plan despite all the clamour for him to leave (myself included), fair play he has proved us all wrong. Long may it continue.

 

I hope a few of our fans have learned a lesson in having a bit of patience.

 

let's be honest, his start did not fill any of us with confidence, did it...he got some deserved criticism at the time.

...but as has been said, he stood and took it, did not 'panic around' with the team and stuck to his guns so he now deserves the praise...and we are happy to eat a slice or three of humble pie.

 

Fair play, he’s turned it around in a way I didn’t believe he was capable of.

Brilliant to see!

 

I got one have!! I was very wrong like a lot of others - but we were dire, and I couldn’t see where a turnaround was going to come from.

Well I am chuffed to bits for the bloke and the players!!

LETS GET THE TOP SPOT.

Bart

 

We were patient with Moyes ...

... it's not always a virtue.

Parkinson has bucked that trend and quite a few more tbh.

 

12 matches left so i reckon 8 wins 2 draws and 1 defeat 83 points should do it ! of course 2 games less season to play.

 

During the 'tough times you could tell by his demeanour that he knew what he was doing. He took it, rose above it and even said he could see it coming together. Even tho fans weren't having it.

 

People seem to want medals for being patient with managers but we're all entitled to our opinions. There's quite a bit of 'I told you so' going around about Parkinson and it'd be better if it wasn't and everyone felt free to enjoy our current form without being looked down on.

 

A lot of patience tbf. Glad he turned Jack Ross’s mess around but that was one hell of a losing streak.

 

Nobody was going to hit the ground running with the confidence of the squad shot to pieces that's for sure.. It was crazy that some fans were shouting for his head even before his first game in charge..

 

True, there was a lot of anger and frustration going back to the way that we limped out of the play offs. From then on it was a steady stream of bore draws and grinding defensive wins.

When Donald finally let Jack Ross go he replaced him with what looked the cheapest option and people were raging. I’m glad that I wasn’t one, but admit that I lost patience towards the end of that winless run.

Behind the scenes he was dealing with morale, separating the bad apples, bringing in a fitness coach and changing the way the lads played, but I have to admit that I didn’t see all that until it showed up on the pitch.

 

This!

 

Could anyone?

Like many of us I wasn't enamored of Parkie's appointment and was appalled by the run we were on.

However, I was prepared to give him the transfer window to make changes to the squad. I can't take any plaudits though, I had just written this season off and, being pragmatic, thought that even with the investment/ loan we couldn't afford to pay to replace another manager.

 

So are we missing a game because we are so far clear at the top.

I will go 9 wins 2 draws and 1 defeat. Which is what we have done in the last 12 games. 86 points and champions

 

If we go up I'd say he deserves a crack at the Champo like. He managed to keep Bolton up when he got promoted with them and I daresay that club was in a much bigger mess than we are. He's managed to get a side out there that grafts it's knackers off, looks really fit and can give teams a right good go, and that's without a striker that can score regularly. I'd say we have a decent enough foundation to build on and I'd like to see him given the opportunity to carry on with that.

 

When a certain fan site ( that doesn't represent me btw), puts a post out with the headline.... 'HAS THAT TWAT BEEN SACKED YET'? I'll enjoy every second of it thank you.