Former Bolton Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson has two League One promotions on his CV but could he lead the Black Cats back to the Championship?
Phil Parkinson is in ‘pole position’ to become the next Sunderland manager after the former Bolton Wanderers boss impressed in an interview over the weekend, according to the Daily Star (13 October, page 45).
With the Black Cats desperate to escape League One at the second time of asking, owner Stewart Donald has prioritised a manager with a proven track record in the third tier after sacking the increasingly under-fire Jack Ross on Tuesday.
The likes of Daniel Stendel, Gareth Ainsworth and Karl Robinson have all been linked so far while Mark Robins confirmed that Sunderland had made an approach before he signed a new contract at Coventry City, speaking to the Sky Blues’ official website.
Now, it seems that Parkinson is the favourite to take over at the Stadium of Light after holding talks with the club’s chiefs
The 51-year-old took both Colchester United and Bolton to the Championship and Sunderland obviously feel that he is capable of securing promotion from League One for a third time should he take over on Wearside.
The Star adds that Parkinson has left a positive impression on Sunderland’s decision makers. And, with Wycombe Wanderers boss Ainsworth now seemingly more likely to take over at Millwall, he now looks increasingly likely to become Sunderland’s 11th manager in a decade.
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