Phil Parkinson shares what he’s already told Sunderland’s players

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Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson is set to be in the dugout for his new side for the first time this weekend.

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has told the Northern Echo that he has already stressed the importance of hard-work to his players at the Stadium of Light after taking charge.

Parkinson was announced as Sunderland’s replacement for Jack Ross yesterday, and he met the players for the first time before talking to the press.

Parkinson has only had a brief amount of time with the Black Cats squad.

But he has insisted to the media that his Sunderland side will be among the hardest working teams in the division.

“I think first and foremost, North-East football fans want to see effort. Of course, you need skill, but the first requirement is effort,” said Parkinson.

“I said to the players that when the fans drive away from the stadium, whether it’s home or away, I want them to say, ‘those boys had a real go today’.

“You might lose a game or you might have a decision go against you, but I want supporters to drive away feeling they couldn’t have asked anymore from the players.”

Parkinson takes over a Sunderland side who have disappointed so far this campaign.

The Black Cats are currently sat in ninth place in the League One table, although they do have games in hand over many of their rivals.

Sunderland will hope that they show a greater attacking intent under Parkinson, as one of the main criticisms of Ross was that he was too defensive during his time on Wearside.

Parkinson will be in the Sunderland dugout for the first time at the weekend, when his side take on Wycombe Wanderers.