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:
9. GUS POYET
The Uruguayan spoke out about his affection for Sunderland earlier this week, and his win percentage is certainly among the best of some of the club’s recent appointments. Win percentage at Sunderland: 30.7% Photo: Jan Kruger
10. PHIL PARKINSON
And so we come on to the man currently in the hotseat. After a shaky start, a New Year resurgence saw Parkinson’s side shoot up the stable - but progress has stalled again in recent weeks. Win percentage at Sunderland: 34.8%. Photo: Frank Reid
11. MARTIN O’NEILL
Another who spent a fair amount of time at the Stadium of Light, and registered a fairly strong success rate during the Premier League era. Win percentage at Sunderland: 35.2%. Photo: GRAHAM STUART
12. ROY KEANE
While most of these games took place in the Championship, Keane’s win percentage is still an impressive one. Could he return to management soon? Win percentage at Sunderland: 40.0%. Photo: Matthew Lewis