'If you manage Sunderland...' - Paul Cook details challenges facing Black Cats' next manager

Paul Cook has been a front runner with the bookies to take the vacant Sunderland job.
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Cook resigned as Wigan manager earlier this year, following the club's relegation due to a 12-point deduction applied after the Latics went into administration.

On Wearside, Phil Parkinson was relieved of his duties on Sunday, following a disappointing draw against Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town on Friday.

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Speaking to the Totally Football League Show, the former Latics and Portsmouth boss said: “I seen an interesting stat over the weekend, and forgive me if I get it slightly wrong, I think Sunderland have drawn 35 of their last something games 1-1, whatever it was.

PRESTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Paul Cook manager of Wigan Athletic stands dejected during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Wigan Athletic at Deepdale on August 10, 2019 in Preston, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)PRESTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Paul Cook manager of Wigan Athletic stands dejected during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Wigan Athletic at Deepdale on August 10, 2019 in Preston, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
PRESTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Paul Cook manager of Wigan Athletic stands dejected during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Wigan Athletic at Deepdale on August 10, 2019 in Preston, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

“Which is incredible, isn’t it?

“And one of the factors that you have to factor in and Sunderland fans probably won’t want to hear it.

“Every team that plays Sunderland, it’s their cup final, every single team. Every team that turns up at that Stadium of Light will give a percentage more than they give every other week.

“And that comes with the territory. You know, unfortunately, if you play for Sunderland you must be able to carry that and deliver.

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“If you manage Sunderland, you must carry that and deliver.”

Cook, however, did show a degree of sympathy for Sunderland’s latest managerial casualty, despite the Black Cats sitting eighth in League One and outside of the play-offs without a win in five fixtures.

“I think from Phil Parkinson’s point of view, the biggest disappointment is that he wasn’t given the time for anybody to know whether he would have been promoted or not.

“You know, that’s always the difficulty for a manager.”

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