This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
It is fair to say that Phil Parkinson hasn’t made many friends in the north-east since his arrival a little more than a month ago.
Such a short time feels a lot longer due to the significant decline that has taken place since, with fan unrest, a director resigning, and the team ultimately faltering on the pitch.
The Black Cats are now in a dire situation, sitting in 11th, with fans running out of trust and patience with Stewart Donald, and in a bid to put the club on the right path Parkinson may have made a decision which ultimately results in him being sacked.
That decision, of course, is the removal of Aiden McGeady from the first-team squad, and the development to make him available for transfer with a view to moving him on in January.
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Whilst the former Celtic player hasn’t lived up to his usual level of play under the new boss, he remains one of the best players in the squad, and without him, Sunderland lack a maverick, a player to produce a moment of magic capable of winning a game.
When on form McGeady is a great influence on the team, often picking up the ball to run at defenders before unleashing a strike, as his goals show.
He may have shown that too infrequently with 1.7 successful dribbles per game this term, but his six goals can’t be matched by a teammate and perhaps under a more understanding and accommodating manager he would have been able to realise his potential.
As a result, like Stephen Elliott alludes to, Parkinson shouldn’t have taken such a decisive step so soon and nipped in the bud any issue the player may have had before it became so serious.
After all, players with experience of playing in the Champions League and on the international stage are rare in League One, and the guidance he may have provided for his teammates, and young players, could have proved beneficial in both the short and long-term.
Results may be on a slippery slope, but there is every chance they could get even worse with McGeady’s departure. If Parkinson fails to address the slump then the mounting pressure could finally see him lose his job.
In other, more positive Sunderland news, Jack Bainbridge has made a good impression behind the scenes and could soon find his way into the first-team set-up.
