We’ve compared the win percentages of the last 13 permanent managers of the Black Cats to find out where Parkinson ranks alongside some familiar names.
So scroll down and click through the pages to see the success rates of Sunderland’s most recent appointments – ranked from lowest to highest – and how Parkinson compares:
5. PAOLO DI CANIO
We want dirty knees too! While he will always be remembered for THAT derby day and knee slide, Di Canio delivered some impressive results on Wearside - but ultimately didn’t do enough. Win percentage at Sunderland: 23.1%. Photo: ANDREW YATES
6. RICKY SBRAGIA
A manager who has somewhat faded into insignificance, Sbragia has a near-identical record to that of Di Canio - but is perhaps remembered in far less affectionate terms. Win percentage at Sunderland: 23.1%. Photo: Matthew Lewis
7. SAM ALLARDYCE
If only he hadn’t taken that England job. It’s one of the great unanswered questions of Sunderland’s past - could Allardyce have built upon his solid start? Sadly, we’ll never know. Win percentage at Sunderland: 29.0%. Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. STEVE BRUCE
While it may be surprising to see Bruce above some more popular names, it’s important to remember that he did have a fairly lengthy spell on Wearside compared to some of his successors. Win percentage at Sunderland: 29.6%. Photo: John Peters