Sunderland had an absymal first-half of the season that didn’t stop with a change in manager, and it seemed that no matter what changes Phil Parkinson made, results were not getting any better.
At one point he had two wins from 14 games but a simple change to a five-at-the-back system brought a draw, then a crucial away win at Doncaster, and since that point the Black Cats haven’t looked back, with their seven-game unbeaten streak taking them back into the play-off places.
There is still considerable work to do but there is clearly a new-found confidence and belief that this squad can produce success, and the turnaround in results has been quite something.
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Parkinson was heavily criticised and though supporters still believe they were right to do so – because they were – they have also given him credit where it’s due, including the decision to hire fitness coach Nick Allamby, which fans believe has really paid off.
As well as that, some of the fanbase have highlighted key individuals and the role they have played over the last few matches, namely Chris Maguire and Lynden Gooch – who scored a brilliant winner away at MK Dons last time out.
Over the last five games the pair have each made six and four goal contributions respectively, so their praise is well deserved, and if their manager can continue to get the best out of them then Sunderland will be in good hands.
There isn’t as much direct praise as Parkinson as there ought to be, though. He has worked wonders with a defence that has conceded four goals in six games and found a great balance throughout the team, as well as building a strong spirit in the squad thanks in part to the omission of Aiden McGeady from the first-team squad.
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However, goalscorers are always likely to steal the limelight and that is the case here, with numerous fans picking out Gooch in particular.
In transfer news, Sunderland have been linked with another exciting player who could help to continue the recent good results.