'A bad choice from the get go!': Sunderland fans react to Phil Parkinson's sacking - and have a message for Stewart Donald

Parkinson has been relieved of his duties after just over a year in the Stadium of Light hotseat, with the vast majority of supporters pleased with the decision to make a change.

And fans on social media had a clear message for owner Stewart Donald when it came to selecting the club’s next manager.

Here’s what supporters on Twitter were saying:

@kevsafc22 said: “Surprised but not surprised. This is the most appointment now in the club's history. GOT to get it right. I assume the new sporting director will be taking charge of the search and the 'takeover' is almost done”

@Liam9517 added: “Parkinson was a dead man walking , he had to go as he wasn’t good enough and for a club like Sunderland to be 8th in league one is unacceptable don’t care what anyone says , hopefully we appoint the right appointment but I’m not too sure “

@neil_graney tweeted: “Next manager list could be a mile long, but it needs to be someone proven above league 1 level. Cowley, Cook etc makes me nervous. Needs to be someone who has managed successfully at championship and above, someone with standards who understands expectations at #SAFC”

@GrahamNPaterson posted: “He wasn’t the right appointment after 2 games let alone getting to where we are now. Just got to hope the new ownership & management team that comes in delivers & doesn’t just talk a big game to please a fan base that just wants something to believe in #safc”

@ianthebrush commented: “Simply had to go. Looked devoid of ideas and I believe the players will play better for a better coach/manager”

@jasonbrahhhh added: “In a strange way I actually feel sorry for PP. He seemed a decent bloke. Just massively out of his depth. He wanted to do well. This next appointment is possibly one of the most important in the clubs history”

@Kingy78_ said: “If the new owners have real ambition Pearson / Phillips would probably be the one but the sensible appointment would be Paul Cook. Need someone with a bit about them and who’s teams plays on the front foot”

@Btotheu posted: “Never been his biggest fan so can't pretend I'm shocked or upset. Anyone else within the club that also thought a point away to Fleetwood was a good result will hopefully be out the door with him”

@phil_oates92 tweeted: “Parkinson has gone, great news. We have plenty of games to put things right and have a proper go at promotion. Just need to make sure we get the right guy in”

@rob_edwards19 commented: “I was never sold on Parkinson from the day he arrived at the club, but even I have to admit this feels impulsive to say the least. I highly doubt they have a replacement lined up. Just sums up the mess this club is in and has been for over a decade”

@joshuakell73 added: “Appointment of next manager is huge. Parkinson was a bad choice from the get go and everyone knew it. Need someone inspiring.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor