'I don't think there's a lot wrong': Bolton boss Keith Hill launches defence of Sunderland's under-fire Phil Parkinson

Hill – who succeeded Parkinson in the North West – insisted there was little wrong with Sunderland’s squad after their 0-0 draw; a result which stretched the Wearsiders’ winless run in all competitions to nine games.

And the 50-year-old has backed Parkinson to deliver at the Stadium of Light, believing more upheaval in the dugout wouldn’t give Sunderland much chance of ‘sustainable success’.

“I don’t think there was an awful lot wrong last season, or at the beginning of the season,” he admitted.

“And I don’t think there’s a lot wrong now, it just needs a little bit of salt and pepper.

“But if you keep putting pressure on a manager and players, you’re going to end up with failure. It’s a simple as that.

“This is a massive, magnificent football club, but if you change manager, change players, change owner on a regular basis…

“Gareth Ainsworth has been at Wycombe seven years and probably has ten per cent of the budget of here, but look at what a job he’s doing.

“If you want sustainable success, you have to stick to a plan and fight through the hard miles.

Hill’s Bolton side have twice taken points from Sunderland this season, and were arguably unlucky not to claim at least one victory against the early season promotion favourites.

But while the Black Cats may have been lacking against the Trotters, Hill remains convinced that the squad has the quality needed to gain promotion from the third tier.

“You’ve got a good manager and a good group of players and it will come together,” he said.

“I’m glad that we don’t have to play you again this season.

“No matter what people say, they’ve got a smashing team who are probably just a little low on confidence,” he added.

“I can tell you now, probably 21 other managers would probably swap squads tomorrow.”