Sunderland have today confirmed the appointment of Phil Parkinson as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal on their official website.
The 51-year-old arrives with a proven track record and an excellent reputation within the game in particular in League One having guided Colchester United to promotion to the Championship.
Parkinson will be joined by his assistant Steve Parkin at The Stadium of Light where they will be replacing former boss Jack Ross who was sacked last week. The former Bolton Wanderers boss met the squad this morning before taking his first training session as their focus shifts towards his first match against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
Parkinson has expressed his delight at being appointed: “It is both a privilege and immense responsibility to be appointed manager of this great club. I’ve been in football a long time now, and Sunderland’s immense history, the passion of its fanbase and its wonderful facilities are legendary within the game.”
“It’s now up to me to build on the work of my predecessor and deliver the success the fans are so desperate for. This is a good squad of players, and I relish the challenge of working with them to achieve our goal of promotion from League One.”
The Chairman of Sunderland, Steward Donald also commented on their decision: “Phil has a proven track record when it comes to achieving promotion and I’m delighted to welcome him to Sunderland.”
“During a rigorous recruitment process, it gradually became clear that he was the prime candidate to take the club forward. His CV put him on our short list. His references from within the game set him apart.”
“I hope that Sunderland fans will all join me in welcoming him to our historic club, as we look forward to an exciting few months.”
The Black Cats are undoubtedly looking to secure promotion this season having fallen just short in the last campaign as they lost out to Charlton Athletic in the play-off final. Parkinson has a huge job on this hands as he looks to guide them back to the Championship at the second time of asking.
